As momentum grows for Kamala Harris to be positioned as the Democratic party’s 2024 presidential nominee, it's essential to understand the life and political journey that have shaped her.
Early Life and Heritage
Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, to immigrant parents. Her father, Donald, a professor emeritus of economics, came to the US to study at the University of California at Berkeley. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, a renowned breast cancer researcher, immigrated from southern India in the late 1950s. Harris attributes her strong sense of identity to her mother, who instilled pride in their Indian and African American heritage.
Education and Career
Harris attended Howard University, becoming the first HBCU graduate to be elected vice president. Following law school, she embarked on a distinguished legal career, serving as a prosecutor in Oakland before being elected district attorney of San Francisco in 2004. In 2011, she made history as the first African American, first woman, and first Asian American attorney general of California. Harris later became the second Black woman in US history to serve as a senator.
Historic Vice Presidency
On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris shattered barriers by becoming the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president of the United States. Her role as president of the Senate saw her casting a record number of tie-breaking votes, showcasing her influence and leadership.
Legacy and Potential
Throughout her career, Kamala Harris has been a trailblazer, achieving numerous 'firsts' and breaking down barriers. As the nation looks towards the 2024 presidential election, Harris stands as a symbol of diversity, resilience, and the American dream.
