Kamala Harris has achieved several firsts throughout her career. Before becoming the first female, black, Asian American Vice President of the United States, she served as the Attorney General of California and later as a US senator. Now, she is the first black woman to run for US President. Here are some facts you didn’t know about Vice President Kamala Harris.
Child of first-generation immigrants
Kamala Devi Harris, born in Oakland, California, on October 20, 1964, is the eldest of two children. Her parents are Shyamala Gopalan, a cancer researcher from India, and Donald Harris, an economist from Jamaica. Kamala’s parents had met through the civil rights movement at Berkeley. During childhood, Kamala and her younger sister, Maya, participated in marches with their parents.
Her Mother Chose Her Name
Kamala’s name holds deep symbolic significance. In Sanskrit, “Kamala” translates to “lotus.” Within Indian culture, the lotus flower holds significant symbolism, representing purity, enlightenment, and the cycle of rebirth. It is another name for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and luck. Kamala’s mother chose this name to nod to her Indian roots and women’s empowerment.
She Attended Howard University
Kamala Harris enrolled at Howard University in Washington, DC, an esteemed historically Black college and university (HBCU). Her time at Howard was transformative: she engaged in student council, excelled in debate, chaired the economics society, and joined the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. Harris later pursued law at the Hasting College of Law, University of California.
She Is Close To Her Step-Children
When Kamala Harris married Doug Emhoff, she embraced not only her husband but also his two children, Cole and Ella. Their close-knit relationship defies traditional labels, as they affectionately call her “Momala.” Harris’s bond extends to their mother, Kerstin Emhoff, creating a functional and supportive modern family.
She Was California’s First Black Female DA
Kamala Harris began her official political career by joining the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office as a deputy DA. Later, she moved to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, where she achieved groundbreaking milestones. Harris became the first person of color to hold the district attorney position in San Francisco, simultaneously making history as California’s first black female DA. In 2010, she shattered barriers again, becoming the first woman of color elected as the Attorney General of California. Her impactful journey continued when she was re-elected to the role in 2014.
She Has Run For President Before
2024 isn’t the first time Harris has run for President. She announced her candidacy in 2019 on January 21, and her sister Maya was her campaign manager. Towards the end of the year, Harris withdrew her candidacy due to a lack of funding and low polling numbers. In August, Joe Biden announced her as his running mate, and on November 7, when Biden won the presidency, she became his second-in-command.
Literary Contributions
Kamala Harris has made her mark not only in politics but also in the literary world. Her impactful works include the memoir The Truths We Hold, which candidly shares her life journey, and the children’s book Superheroes Are Everywhere, which celebrates everyday heroes. Her early book Smart on Crime also proposed reforms for the US criminal justice system.
Controversial Decisions
In 2004, Kamala Harris faced a highly controversial decision when she chose not to pursue the death penalty for the man who murdered Isaac Espinoza, a San Francisco police officer. At the funeral, Senator Dianne Feinstein criticized Harris during her eulogy, leading to a standing ovation from the attending officers. As a result, Harris was shunned by police unions for the following decade.
Controversial Approach To Truancy
In 2010, Kamala Harris actively supported a controversial law in San Francisco that classified truancy as a misdemeanor. The law aimed to hold parents accountable for ensuring their children attended school regularly. As a result, the truancy rate decreased. However, some critics argued that the punitive approach was too harsh.
She Enhanced Police Accountability
During her tenure as attorney general, Kamala Harris championed the creation of Open Justice, an innovative online platform. This platform made critical criminal justice data accessible to the public. One of its key features was collecting information on deaths and injuries occurring in police custody. By promoting transparency and accountability, Open Justice aimed to improve law enforcement practices and foster trust between communities and police agencies.
Her Fans Are Called KHive
Harris’s fervent online supporters formed the “KHive,” drawing inspiration from Beyoncé’s loyal fanbase, the “Beyhive.” The KHive amplified Harris’s message, defended her policies, and celebrated her achievements across social media platforms. The community formed during Harris’s 2020 presidential campaign to protect her from misinformation and attacks perceived as racist and sexist.
She was friends with Beau Biden
Kamala Harris and Beau Biden shared a close friendship and professional alliance. When Harris served as the Attorney General of California, Beau Biden held the same position in Delaware. They connected during the Great Recession of 2008 and the 2011 housing crisis, collaborating on various issues. Beau’s respect for Harris influenced Joe Biden’s decision to choose her as his running mate. Their bond was deeply personal, and they both cherished their memories of Beau, who tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
She’s Famous For Wearing Chucks Everywhere
Kamala Harris’s affinity for Chuck Taylor All-Stars, those iconic sneakers, has become a delightful part of her public persona. Despite her polished suits and blazers, she embraces the comfort and style of these classic kicks.