Kristine Guillaume, who is studying literature, history, and African-American studies, has made history as she becomes the first Black woman to lead Harvard Newspaper, called Harvard Crimson.
The 20-year-old is the third Black president and first Black woman to helm the organization since it was founded in 1873.
She was recently elected with a promise to steer the traditional bastion of the establishment towards a more diverse, digital-first future and will resume the position in January 2019.
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She has previously served as the chair of a diversity and inclusivity committee, responsible for making The Harvard Crimson more diverse and welcoming to students from all backgrounds.
Kristine said in an interview with The New York Times, “If my being elected to the Crimson presidency as the first Black woman affirms anyone’s sense of belonging at Harvard, then that will continue to affirm the work that I’m doing.”
Past writers and editors at the daily include John F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt, two of America’s most celebrated presidents.
According to the Times, Guillaume plans to pursue a doctorate in African-American studies and a career in academia, with some writing on the side. She considers the author Ta-Nehisi Coates a role model.
Guillaume, the daughter of two doctors—her Chinese mother and Haitian father—will be joined by Angela Fu as the incoming managing editor. Harvard was taken to court this fall over criticism that it discriminates against Asian students.
