Kamala Harris, the 49th Vice President of the United States, has made history in many ways. She is the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to hold the office of Vice President. Beyond the headlines and historic firsts, however, there are many interesting aspects of her life and career that are not as widely known. Here are ten hidden facts about Kamala Harris that reveal more about her background, values, and the journey that led her to become a groundbreaking political figure.
1. A Multicultural Upbringing: Indian and Jamaican Roots
Kamala Harris’s heritage is a blend of two rich cultures. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a breast cancer researcher from India, while her father, Donald Harris, is an economist from Jamaica. Growing up, she was exposed to both cultures, celebrating Indian holidays like Diwali and visiting family in India, while also embracing her Jamaican roots. This multicultural background has deeply influenced her worldview and contributed to her commitment to diversity and inclusion.
2. A Childhood in Civil Rights Activism
Kamala Harris’s passion for social justice is rooted in her early experiences. Her parents were active in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, and they often took her and her sister Maya to protests and rallies. This exposure to activism from a young age helped shape her values and commitment to fighting for equal rights. One notable story she often shares is about attending a civil rights march as a toddler in a stroller and getting lost in the crowd, a memory that underscores her lifelong connection to the cause.
3. Influence of Her Grandparents
Her maternal grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, was a senior government official in India who worked to improve the lives of the underprivileged. During her visits to India, Kamala would listen to him discuss politics, corruption, and the importance of public service. This close relationship with her grandparents helped to inspire her sense of duty toward social justice and public service, which ultimately guided her path into politics.
4. A Lifelong Love for Cooking
Despite her busy schedule, Kamala Harris has a well-known passion for cooking. She often describes cooking as a way to unwind and connect with others. She has shared her recipes for comfort foods like roast chicken, turkey, and Indian dishes such as masala dosa. Harris is known for bringing people together through food and even invited fellow lawmakers over for dinner during her time as a senator. This hobby reflects her appreciation for the communal aspect of food and its role in creating connections.
5. She Began Her Career as a Prosecutor
While many are aware of her time as Attorney General of California, fewer people know that Kamala Harris started her career as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California, in 1990. Her early work focused on prosecuting cases involving sexual assault and child exploitation, which she has said had a profound impact on her. She continued her career as a prosecutor because she believed she could bring about change from within the system, although this choice has been both praised and criticized in her political career.
6. Author of Two Books
In addition to her political career, Kamala Harris is also a published author. She has written two books: “Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor’s Plan to Make Us Safer” (2009) and “The Truths We Hold: An American Journey” (2019). Her first book focuses on her views on criminal justice reform, while her second is more personal, detailing her life story, values, and vision for the future of America. These books offer a deeper look into her thoughts on key issues and her motivations for entering public service.
7. An Advocate for Environmental Justice
While she is often associated with criminal justice reform and healthcare, Kamala Harris has also been a staunch advocate for environmental justice. During her time as California’s Attorney General, she created a special environmental crimes unit to prosecute polluters who harmed vulnerable communities. As a senator, she co-authored the Climate Equity Act with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, aiming to ensure that climate policies prioritize low-income and marginalized communities. Her work in this area highlights her focus on the intersection of environmental policy and social equity.
8. Strong Ties to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Kamala Harris attended Howard University, one of the most prestigious HBCUs in the United States. Her time at Howard had a significant impact on her, shaping her political views and reinforcing her commitment to public service. Harris often speaks about her pride in being a Howard alumna and the sense of community she found there. Her connection to Howard and HBCUs more broadly has made her a symbol of pride for many within the Black community and has helped to highlight the importance of these institutions in American education.
9. A Trailblazer in California Politics
Before becoming the Vice President, Kamala Harris made history several times in California. She was the first Black woman and the first woman of South Asian descent to serve as the Attorney General of California. Later, when she was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, she became only the second Black woman ever to serve in the Senate. Her groundbreaking achievements in California politics set the stage for her eventual rise to the Vice Presidency and helped her build a national profile.
10. A Devoted “Momala” to Her Stepchildren
Kamala Harris married Douglas Emhoff in 2014, becoming a stepmother to his two children, Cole and Ella. Her stepchildren affectionately call her “Momala,” a nickname that reflects the close bond they share. Harris has often spoken about the joys of being a stepmother and the importance of her blended family. Despite the demands of her political career, she makes time for family traditions and has prioritized maintaining a strong relationship with Cole and Ella, showing a more personal side of her life beyond the political spotlight.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’s life and career are marked by a blend of multicultural influences, a passion for justice, and a commitment to public service. These lesser-known facts about her provide a deeper understanding of the experiences and values that have shaped her as a leader. From her early activism with her parents to her historic role as Vice President, Harris’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the belief that change can happen from within. As she continues to serve in one of the highest offices in the United States, these facets of her background offer insight into the person behind the public figure—a woman shaped by a rich tapestry of experiences and a determination to make a difference.
About The Author
