Alice Dunnigan made history as the first Black woman to be credentialed to join the White House press corps. On her first day covering the White House, she arrived early for a news conference with President Harry S. Truman, but felt invisible as she sat alone in the lobby of the West Wing. Now, more than 75 years later, Dunnigan’s memory is being honored with the dedication of a new lectern in the White House briefing room.
The lectern was named in honor of Dunnigan and Ethel L. Payne, another trailblazing Black journalist who joined her on the beat a few years later. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the first Black woman to hold that position, described the lectern as a symbol of freedom and democracy that is seen around the world. She believes that Dunnigan and Payne are deserving of this recognition.
The briefing room lectern has become not only a political symbol but also a cultural artifact, representing access to a privileged space. April Ryan, the longest-serving Black woman in the White House press corps, expressed that honoring Dunnigan and Payne made her feel “seen.” She emphasized the importance of Black journalists asking questions and covering stories that others may overlook.
Dunnigan and Payne faced challenges and discrimination during their time covering the White House. They were chastised by White House officials and ignored by President Dwight D. Eisenhower when they asked about civil rights. Despite these obstacles, Dunnigan remained determined and even scooped her colleagues on a story during a train trip with President Truman. Payne finally asked her first question at a news conference with President Eisenhower after three months of being ignored.
Both women made significant contributions to journalism, with Payne becoming known as the “first lady of the Black press.” She covered the civil rights movement extensively and was invited by President Lyndon B. Johnson to witness the signing of landmark legislation. Martha Joynt Kumar, a presidency scholar, noted that the dedication of the Dunnigan-Payne lectern represents a rare display of solidarity between the White House and the press corps.
The lectern was named after the White House Correspondents’ Association created a lifetime achievement award in honor of Dunnigan and Payne. It joins other significant lecterns, such as Blue Goose and Toast, in the briefing room. Judy Smith, the first Black woman to lead a White House press briefing, emphasized the weight of the responsibility that comes with speaking from the podium and addressing critical issues.
Alicia Dunnigan, Alice Dunnigan’s granddaughter, expressed that her grandmother would be overwhelmed by the news of the lectern dedication. She believes that Dunnigan’s legacy will inspire future generations, and the lectern stands as a permanent beacon in her name.
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