A 20-year-old named Kristine E. Guillaume just became the first female black president of Harvard’s newspaper.
Since its establishment in 1873, one of the oldest publications in America - Harvard Crimson - has never had a female black president now.
This changed after the 125-year-old prestigious newspaper voted through an election process called the Turkey Shoot for this Harvard junior student, who is currently studying African American Studies and Literature.
She continued, “Congratulations to the 146’s Managing Editor @angelanfu and Business Manager Charlie Zhu! Thank you to the 145, especially @derekgxiao, we have big shoes to fill.”
Guillaume also reacted to her appointment in an interview with the Boston Globe saying: “It does make me feel weird that we’re still doing firsts. It’s about time. I’m nervous but excited. It’s a huge responsibility, and honestly, it doesn’t feel real that I actually have the opportunity.”
She takes over from the current president Derek G. Xiao, who has expressed his confidence in his successor.
He said, “I have the utmost confidence in the 146th Guard’s ability to carry on our proud mission of covering and informing Harvard and its affiliates. I could not be more excited to see the direction the next President, Managing Editor, and Business Manager will take The Crimson in 2019.”
Prior to becoming the president of The Crimson, Guillaume was one of the Central Administration reporters, and one of the three Chairs of The Crimson’s Diversity and Inclusivity Committee.