Ever wondered what makes Kamala Harris tick? You’ve probably seen her face plastered across the news, but how much do you really know about the former Veep? We’re diving deep to spill some juicy tidbits, from her breakfast habits to her rise as a global powerhouse. Get ready for a dose of Kamala, unfiltered!
Roots and Early Years
Oakland, California, was where Kamala Devi Harris, currently 60 years old, first saw the light of day on October 20, 1964. Her heritage is a beautiful tapestry: her mom, Shyamala Gopalan, hailed from India, while her dad, Donald J. Harris, called Jamaica home. Her name itself is a nod to her Indian lineage, with “Kamala” translating to “lotus” in Sanskrit, a bloom linked to Sri-Lakshmi, a goddess revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains.
When she was just five, her parents went their separate ways, leaving her mom to raise Kamala and her younger sister, Maya. Even as a tiny tot, Kamala was soaking up the political vibe, with her parents toting her along in a stroller to civil rights marches! Her mother, a fiery civil rights activist and brilliant breast cancer scientist who’d journeyed from India to the States, ignited Kamala’s passion for politics.
Kamala’s spiritual journey was a mix-and-match affair, and she often visited her grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, a retired public servant who played a huge role in shaping her political path. Strolling along the Chennai beach was one of their favorite pastimes. At twelve, she packed her bags for Montreal, where she spent the next five years hitting the books. She and Maya joined their mom, who’d landed a teaching gig at McGill University. In her 2019 memoir, Kamala confessed that the idea of swapping sunny California for snowy Montreal was a “distressing” thought for her teenage self.
Even as a youngster, Kamala was a natural leader, influencing those around her. When the landlord of their Montreal digs tried to ban kids from playing on the lawn, Kamala rallied the troops and organized a protest to flip the decision. School wasn’t all serious business for Kamala; she dabbled in drama and even took lessons in violin, French horn, and kettle drum. Despite her rich and varied background, she’s kept it simple, describing herself as “American” through and through.
College Days and First Forays into Politics
At Howard University, she dove into political science and economics, and that’s where she first dipped her toes into the electoral pool, becoming a student council rep and president of the Abram Harris Economics Society. She also pledged allegiance to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, even shouting out their 113th Founders’ Day on Instagram in 2021.
She snagged her law degree in 1989 from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Fun fact: Kamala says she clocks in at just over 5 feet 4 inches (roughly 163 cm).
Career Highlights & Personal Life
Back in 1994, she was linked to Willie Brown, the then-Speaker of the California Assembly. Word on the street (or, rather, in a biography) is that Brown gifted her a BMW and whisked her away on swanky trips to Paris. She clinched the District Attorney of San Francisco title in 2004. Her star soared after she grilled Attorney General Jeff Sessions about his chats with Russian contacts, a line of questioning so relentless it made Sessions admit he felt “nervous.”
In 2021, Kamala Harris broke barriers, becoming the first Black American, the first South Asian American, and the first woman to rise to the rank of Vice President of the United States. She even took the reins as President for a brief 85 minutes in November 2021. She and President Obama go way back, having a long history of backing each other; she threw her support behind him for president in 2008 and 2012, and he reciprocated by endorsing her for the top job in 2024.
Her most devoted online cheerleaders affectionately call themselves the “KHive,” and you’ll often spot the #KHive hashtag popping up on social media posts championing Kamala Harris. Off duty, you’ll often catch Kamala sporting comfy shoes, like
Her mornings kick off with a 30-minute sweat session, either on the elliptical or grooving through a SoulCycle class. When it comes to winding down, Kamala’s go-to reads include Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club, and C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The Campaign Trail and Beyond
Kamala Harris shattered another record in 2024 when she launched her presidential bid, raking in a staggering $81 million in donations within a single day – the highest amount ever for a 24-hour period. She tapped Tim Walz as her running mate, and her campaign anthem, “I’ma Keep Running,” clearly echoed her presidential ambitions. A clip of Kamala and her “coconut tree” quip went viral in 2024; speaking at the White House, she playfully asked, “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?”, driving home the point that no one lives in a bubble and everything has context.
However, the 2024 US presidential election saw Kamala Harris face a tough defeat against Donald Trump, a result that sent shockwaves through Democrats and liberals globally.
Reflecting on Kamala
Her early life, marked by moves and endless opportunities, really shaped her. She’s notched up countless political triumphs and smashed records many only dream of. But strip away all the politics and diplomacy, and you’ll find a woman who still adores her favorite foods, shoes, and books. So, next time you see her delivering a powerful speech, maybe you’ll view her through a fresh lens!
