By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Kamala Harris, The First Black Female Presidential Nominee
In under two weeks, Kamala Harris was named the Democratic Party's presidential nominee following Joe Biden's decision to step aside. The vice president, who has long sought this position, has energized the Democratic campaign, raising a record $310 million (£242 million) in July double the amount raised by her rival, Donald Trump.
Her path to the top has been unique and challenging, filled with significant moments and tough questions. Here’s a look at Kamala Harris' career, the pivotal events in her life, and how she became the first black female presidential nominee.
The Rise of Kamala Harris to Vice President
Five years ago, Kamala Harris was a senator from California with ambitions to win the Democratic nomination for president. She began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, eventually becoming the district attorney of San Francisco in 2003. She was later elected as California's attorney general, becoming the first woman and the first black person to hold that position in the state.
Her success in these roles paved the way for her election as California's junior US senator in 2017. However, her bid for the presidency in 2020 was unsuccessful, despite strong debate performances. Her campaign ended within a year, but Joe Biden revived her national profile by selecting her as his running mate.
Gil Duran, a former communications director for Harris, described this as "a big reversal of fortune," noting that many doubted her discipline and focus for a rapid rise to the White House. Nonetheless, her ambition and potential were always evident.
Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president in 2021 and has focused on several key initiatives in the Biden administration. She launched a nationwide "Fight for Reproductive Freedoms" tour after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Harris also set a record for the most tie breaking votes cast by a vice president in the Senate, helping pass significant legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and the American Rescue Plan. Her vote was also crucial in confirming Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
Despite these achievements, Harris has struggled to gain broad appeal among Americans. Her left leaning stances on issues like gay marriage and the death penalty have not been progressive enough for some Democratic voters, leading to the refrain "Kamala is a cop" during the 2020 campaign. Additionally, her role in addressing the root causes of migration at the US-Mexico border has faced criticism.
Kamala Harris' Background
Born in Oakland, California, to an Indian born mother and a Jamaican born father, Kamala Harris was primarily raised by her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, a cancer researcher and civil rights activist. She embraced her Indian heritage and Oakland's black culture, as her mother immersed her and her younger sister in it. Harris' upbringing has allowed her to connect with a diverse range of Americans, particularly in regions undergoing demographic changes.
Harris attended Howard University, a historically black college and university, which she describes as one of the most formative experiences of her life. There, she honed her debating skills and engaged deeply in political and social issues.
Harris also spent part of her early years in Canada, attending school in Montreal when her mother took a teaching job at McGill University. She describes herself simply as an "American," comfortable with her identity despite not fitting neatly into racial or cultural compartments.
Kamala Harris' Political and Personal Identity
Kamala Harris' friend from Howard University, Lita Rosario Richardson, recalls her as a fearless debater with a sharp wit and sense of humor. These traits helped her gain momentum during her initial presidential campaign.
In 2014, Harris married lawyer Doug Emhoff and became stepmother to his two children, who affectionately call her "Momala." This modern "blended" family image has been embraced by the media, highlighting her role as a stepmother.
Harris is also seen as the inheritor of a legacy of black female activists, following in the footsteps of figures like Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Baker, and Septima Clark. Nadia Brown, an associate professor of political science and African American studies, emphasizes that Harris stands on the shoulders of grassroots organizers, elected officials, and unsuccessful candidates who paved the way to the White House.
Kamala Harris' journey to becoming the first black female presidential nominee is a testament to her resilience, ambition, and ability to navigate complex political landscapes while breaking significant barriers.
