White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was awarded keys to Hempstead village in a special ceremony last month.
The Hempstead native received the prestigious honor from Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr.
“It’s a big day and I’m incredibly thankful to the village of Hempstead, which really helped me be the person that I am today,” said Jean-Pierre, who made history in 2022 as the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to hold the role.
A Haitian immigrant who moved to Hempstead from Queens at age 10, Jean-Pierre, 50, said her rise from volunteer firefighter to key political figure is a testament to her community’s influence.
Visiting her elementary school
ICYMI: This week, WH Press Sec @K_JeanPierre received the key to the city and visited her elementary school in Hempstead, NY.
— Kevin Frey (@KevinFreyTV) December 22, 2024
I tagged along for @NY1, asking her to reflect on her 2.5 yrs as WH Press Sec and about how the Long Island community shaped her. https://t.co/H6WF2Pzqz1
As part of the ceremony, Jean-Pierre visited her former elementary school, Joseph McNeil Elementary, where she spoke to students and was warmly received.
“It was great to see their eyes light up, and I got hugs from many of them,” said .Jean-Pierre, who has served as White House press secretary since May 2022.
Her final day on the job is Jan. 21.