BIOGRAPHY: KAMALA DEVI HARRIS
Early Life and Education
Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, to immigrant parents. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, was a breast cancer scientist from India, and her father, Donald J. Harris, is a professor emeritus of economics at Stanford University who immigrated from Jamaica. Kamala Harris's upbringing was significantly influenced by her mother and her Indian heritage, as well as the civil rights movement that was active during her childhood.
Growing up in Berkeley, California, Kamala attended Thousand Oaks Elementary School and was part of the second class to integrate Berkeley's public schools. After her parents divorced when she was seven, Harris and her younger sister Maya were raised primarily by their mother, who took them to both a Black Baptist church and a Hindu temple, embracing both aspects of their cultural heritage.
Kamal attended Westmount High School in Montreal, Quebec, where her mother had accepted a research and teaching position at McGill University. After graduating high school, she returned to the United States to attend Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C. At Howard, she majored in political science and economics and joined Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She earned her Bachelor's degree in 1986 and went on to earn her Law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1989.
Career in Law
After passing the California Bar Examination, Kamala Harris began her career as a Deputy District Attorney in Alameda County, California, in 1990. In this role, she developed a reputation for being a tough prosecutor, particularly in cases involving gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse. Her work caught the attention of San Francisco's district attorney, Terence Hallinan, who recruited her to join his office in 2000.
In 2003, Kamala made history by becoming the first Black woman to be elected as San Francisco's District Attorney. During her tenure, she increased conviction rates, established a special unit to combat child exploitation, and launched innovative programs to reduce recidivism. She was re-elected in 2007 without opposition.
Rise in California Politics
Building on her success as San Francisco's District Attorney, Harris ran for California Attorney General in 2010. She won a very close election, becoming the first woman, first African American, and first South Asian American to hold the position in California's history. During her tenure as Attorney General, Harris made significant strides in various areas of law enforcement and civil rights. Her office notably secured a major settlement for homeowners affected by the foreclosure crisis and took strong stances on environmental protection and marriage equality. Her effective leadership and accomplishments led to her re-election in 2014, where she secured an even greater margin of victory than in her first campaign.
United States Senator
In 2016, Harris won the race to replace retiring Senator Barbara Boxer, becoming only the second Black woman and first South Asian American to serve in the United States Senate. During her time in the Senate, Kamala gained national attention for her pointed questioning during Senate hearings, particularly her exchanges with then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, and other Trump administration officials.
As a Senator, Harris served on several important committees, including the Senate Intelligence Committee, the Judiciary Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Budget Committee. She advocated for progressive reforms in criminal justice, introduced legislation to provide relief for families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and worked to advance immigration reform.
Historic Vice Presidency
On August 11, 2020, then-presidential candidate Joe Biden announced Harris as his running mate for the 2020 presidential election. The Biden-Harris ticket won the election, and on January 20, 2021, Harris was sworn in as the 49th Vice President of the United States, becoming the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American to hold this office.
In her role as Vice President, Harris has focused on a diverse portfolio of critical issues facing the nation. Her responsibilities have encompassed addressing immigration challenges, particularly regarding Central America, while also taking on domestic priorities such as voting rights and healthcare initiatives. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she has played an instrumental role in the administration's public health response.
Personal Life
In 2014, Harris married attorney Douglas Emhoff, becoming stepmother to his two children from a previous marriage. Her personal interests include cooking, music, and spending time with family. She has authored several books, including her memoir "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey" (2019) and a children's book "Superheroes Are Everywhere" (2019).
Conclusion
Kamala Harris's groundbreaking career has inspired many, particularly women and people of colour, to pursue careers in public service. Her motto, "You may be the first, but make sure you're not the last," encapsulates her commitment to opening doors for others. As she continues to serve as Vice President, her impact on American politics and society remains significant, representing both the progress made in American diversity and the potential for further advancement in the years to come.
Write a Comment