If you’re familiar with The Harvard Crimson, then you probably know that many writers and editors at the paper have gone on to be presidents (John F. Kennedy, Franklin D. Roosevelt), tech billionaires (Steve Ballmer, the former chief executive of Microsoft), news media bosses (Jeff Zucker, the head of CNN) and writers at The New York Times.
But while the newspaper had power and churned out many big names, it lacked diversity.
But things are changing as now Kristine E. Guillaume will lead The Crimson’s “146th guard,” making her the third African-American president and first African-American woman to lead the organization since its founding in 1873.
Guillaume, a junior majoring in literature, history and African-American studies, won the job and promises to steer the paper toward a more diverse, digital future.
Guillaume previously served as a chair of a diversity and inclusivity committee, which was responsible for making The Harvard Crimson more diverse and welcoming to students from all backgrounds.
“If my being elected to the Crimson presidency as the first African-American woman affirms anyone’s sense of belonging at Harvard, then that will continue to affirm the work that I’m doing,” Guillaume told The New York Times.
In her new position, Guillaume aims to lift up different types of journalistic voices and perspectives.
“It’s your job, no matter what stage of leadership, to make sure you are imparting knowledge to younger writers, but also reporting on things especially pertinent in today’s climate with cultural sensitivity,” Guillaume said.
Born to a Chinese mother and Haitian father, Ms. Guillaume said she took an interest in journalism while growing up in Queens. On Sundays, the family, along with Guillaume’s younger sister would go to a diner for breakfast and read over the weekend edition of The Times.
As part of the ritual, Guillaume ‘s father would ask his daughters to read columns by David Brooks and Paul Krugman “to get a conservative and a liberal view,” Ms. Guillaume said.
“Both of my parents have a strong emphasis on education and knowing what’s going on in the world around us,” Guillaume said. “They were always very encouraging of us to break out of our middle school or high school problems and think about larger forces at play.”
By: Maytinee Kramer
