Who Is Kamala Harris? A Deep Dive into the Life and Career of America's First Female Vice President

Kamala Harris made history on January 20, 2021, when she was sworn in as the first female, first Black person, and first South Asian American to become Vice President of the United States. Her election was a watershed moment for the country, and her presence in the White House is a symbol of the progress that has been made towards equality and inclusion.

Who Is Kamala Harris? (Who HQ Now)

by Kirsten Anderson

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12772 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	56 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Harris's journey to the vice presidency was a long and winding one. She was born in Oakland, California, to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her mother and stepfather. Harris attended Howard University, a historically Black college in Washington, D.C., and then went on to earn a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

After graduating from law school, Harris worked as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. She later served as San Francisco's District Attorney and California's Attorney General. In 2016, she was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the second Black woman to serve in that body.

Harris ran for president in 2020, but she dropped out of the race before the primaries. She later endorsed Joe Biden, who went on to win the election. Biden selected Harris as his running mate, and she became the first woman of color to be nominated for vice president by a major party.

Harris's election as vice president is a significant milestone for the United States. It is a sign that the country is moving towards a more inclusive future, and it is an inspiration to young people of all backgrounds.

Kamala Harris's Childhood

Kamala Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California. Her father, Donald Harris, was a Jamaican economist, and her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, was an Indian-born breast cancer researcher. Harris's parents met while they were both students at the University of California, Berkeley. They divorced when Harris was young, and she was raised by her mother and stepfather, David Harris, a Stanford University law professor.

Harris grew up in a close-knit family. She has one younger sister, Maya Harris, who is a lawyer and political commentator. Harris's parents instilled in her a strong sense of social justice and a belief in the power of education. She attended Howard University, a historically Black college in Washington, D.C., where she studied political science and economics.

Kamala Harris's Education

After graduating from Howard University, Harris went on to earn a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She was the first Black woman to serve as editor-in-chief of the Hastings Law Journal.

Harris's legal education prepared her for a career in public service. She worked as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and later served as San Francisco's District Attorney and California's Attorney General.

Kamala Harris's Career in Law Enforcement

Harris began her career in law enforcement as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. She quickly rose through the ranks, and in 2003, she was elected District Attorney of San Francisco.

As District Attorney, Harris focused on reforming the criminal justice system. She implemented a number of progressive policies, including a ban on the death penalty, a reduction in cash bail, and a focus on rehabilitation over incarceration.

Harris's work in San Francisco earned her a reputation as a tough but fair prosecutor. She was re-elected to a second term in 2007.

Kamala Harris's Career in Politics

In 2010, Harris was elected Attorney General of California. As Attorney General, she continued to focus on reforming the criminal justice system. She also took on a number of other important issues, including environmental protection, consumer protection, and healthcare.

Harris's work as Attorney General earned her a national profile. In 2016, she was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the second Black woman to serve in that body.

In the Senate, Harris has been a vocal advocate for progressive causes. She has fought for affordable healthcare, gun control, and criminal justice reform. She has also been a strong critic of President Donald Trump.

Kamala Harris's Presidential Campaign

In January 2019, Harris announced that she was running for president. She entered the race as a top-tier candidate, but she dropped out before the primaries. She later endorsed Joe Biden, who went on to win the election.

Harris's presidential campaign was historic. She was the first Black woman to run for president from a major party. Her campaign inspired young people of all backgrounds and helped to break down barriers.

Kamala Harris's Vice Presidency

Biden selected Harris as his running mate in August 2020. She became the first woman of color to be nominated for vice president by a major party. Biden and Harris went on to win the election, and Harris was sworn in as Vice President on January 20, 2021.

As Vice President, Harris has been a strong advocate for Biden's agenda. She has also focused on issues such as voting rights, racial justice, and gender equality.

Kamala Harris's Impact

Kamala Harris is a trailblazing figure in American politics. She is the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian American to become Vice President of the United States. Her election is a watershed moment for the country, and it is an inspiration to young people of all backgrounds.

Harris is a role model for women and girls everywhere. She is a reminder that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up on your dreams.

Who Is Kamala Harris? (Who HQ Now)

by Kirsten Anderson

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12772 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	56 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE