Vice President Kamala Harris shared a personal story during her speech at the Democratic National Convention, revealing how a childhood friend's experience of sexual abuse influenced her career path. Harris recounted how she noticed her best friend, Wanda, exhibiting signs of distress in high school and eventually confiding in her about being sexually abused by her stepfather. This revelation prompted Harris to take action, offering Wanda a safe haven in her own home.
Harris attributed this experience as a driving force behind her decision to pursue a career in law and become a prosecutor. She emphasized her belief in the rights of individuals to safety, dignity, and justice, particularly in cases of abuse and violence.
After completing her law degree at the University of California Hastings, Harris dedicated thirty years to a career in prosecution. She served as a deputy district attorney in Oakland's Alameda County before being elected as the district attorney of San Francisco in 2004.
In 2011, Harris made history by becoming the first Black American, first woman, and first Asian American to be elected as the attorney general of California. Throughout her prosecutorial career, Harris prioritized seeking justice on behalf of the people, rather than just the individual victims, highlighting the interconnectedness of society and the importance of collective responsibility.
She often reassured crime survivors that they were not alone in their fight for justice, emphasizing solidarity and support within the justice system. Harris concluded her courtroom appearances with the powerful statement, 'Kamala Harris for the people,' underscoring her commitment to serving the interests of the community at large.
