Karine Jean-Pierre discusses how her career in politics shaped Moving Forward
Karine Jean-Pierre spoke with Culturess about her career in politics and how it led to her new memoir, Moving Forward.
Whatever your thoughts on the current political climate in the United States, one thing is certain: There are so many individuals fighting for progress each day, and each of them is an inspiration. That includes Karine Jean-Pierre, who currently serves as chief public affairs officer for the advocacy group MoveOn.
Having previously worked for the Obama administration — and now dedicating her career to upholding the law — Jean-Pierre has a long history fighting for social justice. And in her new memoir, Moving Forward, she shares how she got started in her political career. Hers isn’t your typical story — she wasn’t born into that world, nor did she have some Earth-shattering moment that launched her into the realm of social justice.
We had the chance to speak with the author about her career, along with her book and what she hopes readers can take away from it. In the current political climate, it’s important that everyone gets involved — and it’s equally as crucial that they know they can. That sentiment has driven Jean-Pierre’s career as an activist and an author, and it’s something she emphasized quite a bit during the interview.
Culturess: Was there a specific moment you knew you wanted to be involved in politics? When was it? Or, if not, what made you pursue that field?
Karine Jean-Pierre: I looked around and decided I couldn’t sit on the sidelines. Too much was a stake. Issues I cared about were being ignored. People who looked like me were being attacked. I decided I had to jump in the game. Politics was where I felt I could make a difference. It is where I felt I could have the biggest impact.
If just a handful of people read this book and make the same decision, I will consider it a huge success.
Culturess: What have been some of the challenges working in politics for you? How have you overcome them?
Karine Jean-Pierre: Politics is often dominated by white men. As a black woman, I always had to work twice as hard just to get the same recognition my colleagues got. But my advice to everyone is work hard, hustle and network like mad. Politics can be rough and tumble but if someone who looks like me can make it so can you.
Culturess: What was it like working for the Obama administration?
Karine Jean-Pierre: It was an honor to work for President Barack Obama. I was proud not to only work for his administration, but also for the American people as a public servant.
Culturess: Can you tell us a bit about your roles at MoveOn.org and MSNBC and what they entail?
Karine Jean-Pierre: As the Chief Public Affairs Officer at MoveOn I am lucky to be the voice of millions of our members on TV, radio and print. Our are fighting every day the horrors of this Administration and it is truly an honor to be able to elevate their voices and actions.
Culturess: What is it that you wanted to convey in Moving Forward? Why did you feel this was the right time to do so?
Karine Jean-Pierre: I’m lucky. I have a great job. I am able to write a book. I get to be on TV. But way too many people who are growing up in the places I grew up in think they’ll never have that chance. My message to them is: work hard. Fight hard. Never give up. After you get knock down, always get back up. Never give up on yourself. The vile attacks coming daily on our communities from the Trump administration are dangerous, disgusting and shameful. They can also be paralyzing. But we can’t be paralyzed. We need to organize. We need to fight back. We need to band together and say enough is enough. I hope my book can be a road map for that too.
Culturess: Are there any specific issues you address in the book that you feel deserve particular attention?
Karine Jean-Pierre: I struggled with depression and once tried to take my own life. I hope my book can help anyone who is in a similar place find the help and support they need.
Culturess: What’s some advice you’d give to readers looking to be more involved in political activism?
Karine Jean-Pierre: We need your voice. Now more than ever. So much is at stake right now. Get involved. Volunteer in your community. Volunteer at the college. Volunteer for a campaign. Run for office at the college. Do whatever you feel most comfortable with but get in the game. Now more than ever we need more younger people engaged.
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