Kamala Harris’s parents, Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J. Harris, played a pivotal role in shaping the values and aspirations of the current Vice President of the United States. Their diverse backgrounds and remarkable achievements have drawn significant attention, with many seeking to learn more about their lives and influence on their daughter. The story of Kamala Harris’s parents is one of ambition, intellect, and a commitment to social justice.
Their journey began when they met as graduate students at the University of California, Berkeley, in the 1960s. Shyamala, a brilliant scientist from India, and Donald, a talented economist from Jamaica, found common ground in their passion for civil rights activism. This shared dedication to equality and justice would go on to have a profound impact on their daughter’s upbringing and eventual career in public service. To understand Kamala Harris’s background fully, it’s crucial to explore the remarkable lives and contributions of her parents, as well as the values they instilled in her from an early age.
Shyamala Gopalan: The Pioneering Scientist
Early Life and Education
Shyamala Gopalan, born on December 7, 1938, in Madras, British India (now Chennai, Tamil Nadu), was the daughter of P. V. Gopalan, a civil servant, and Rajam [1]. Her early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education and a desire to break barriers. Despite her parents’ expectations for their children to pursue careers in medicine, engineering, or law, Shyamala chose a different path [1].
She began her academic journey at Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, where she studied for a Bachelor of Science in Home Science [1]. This subject, which focused on skills considered helpful in homemaking, was seen by her father as a mismatch for her abilities [1]. However, Shyamala had bigger aspirations.
In a bold move that would shape her future, Shyamala applied to a master’s program in nutrition and endocrinology at the University of California, Berkeley, at the age of 19 [1]. Her acceptance to this program marked the beginning of her journey as a pioneering scientist. Her parents, recognizing the importance of education, used some of their retirement savings to support her first year of studies [1].
Career as a Breast Cancer Researcher
Shyamala’s academic pursuits culminated in her earning a PhD in nutrition and endocrinology from UC Berkeley in 1964 [1]. Her dissertation, supervised by Richard L. Lyman, was titled “The isolation and purification of atrypsin inhibitor from whole wheat flour” [1]. This achievement laid the foundation for her groundbreaking career in scientific research.
Her professional journey took her to various prestigious institutions. She conducted research in UC Berkeley’s Department of Zoology and Cancer Research Lab, and later worked as a breast cancer researcher at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Wisconsin [1]. For 16 years, she contributed her expertise to the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill University Faculty of Medicine [1].
Shyamala’s research made significant advancements in the understanding of hormones related to breast cancer [1]. Her work on the isolation and characterization of the progesterone receptor gene in mice revolutionized research on the hormone-responsiveness of breast tissue [1]. This breakthrough has had lasting impacts on the field of breast cancer research.
Her dedication to science took her around the world. She conducted research in France and Canada, always driven by her goal to cure breast cancer [2]. Her daughter, Kamala Harris, even lived in Wisconsin for part of her childhood due to her mother’s work [2].
Influence on Kamala Harris
Shyamala Gopalan’s influence on her daughter, Kamala Harris, was profound and multifaceted. Harris often speaks about her mother’s legacy, emphasizing the two main goals Shyamala had in life: to cure breast cancer and to raise her daughters [3].
The impact of Shyamala’s work ethic and dedication was evident in Harris’s political campaigns. During Harris’s first campaign to become district attorney of San Francisco, Shyamala was a constant presence at campaign headquarters, helping with tasks like sealing envelopes, making calls, and ensuring volunteers were well-cared for [2].
Shyamala’s battle with colon cancer, which she succumbed to in 2009, also shaped Harris’s views on healthcare. During her presidential campaign, Harris often drew from her experiences dealing with the healthcare system while her mother underwent chemotherapy [2].
Even in her final days, Shyamala’s spirit and sense of humor left a lasting impression. A friend of the family recalled how she maintained her wit and warmth during her hospital stay, characteristics that are reflected in her daughter Kamala [2].
Shyamala Gopalan’s life as a pioneering scientist, dedicated mother, and influential figure in her daughter’s life showcases the power of determination, intellect, and compassion. Her journey from a young woman in India to a respected researcher in the United States paved the way for her daughter’s groundbreaking achievements, embodying the spirit of progress and perseverance.
Donald J. Harris: The Economist from Jamaica
Background and Immigration to the US
Donald Jasper Harris was born in Brown’s Town, St. Ann Parish, Jamaica, to Oscar Joseph Harris and Beryl Christie Harris (née Finegan), who were Afro-Jamaicans [1]. Growing up in Jamaica, Harris developed a strong sense of pride in his heritage, which he would later instill in his children [3].
In the fall of 1961, Harris arrived at the University of California, Berkeley on the Issa Scholarship, which was founded and funded by Kingston merchant Elias A. Issa in the 1930s [1]. This move marked the beginning of his journey in the United States, where he would eventually become a naturalized citizen [2].
Harris’s decision to pursue his doctorate in the United States was influenced by his desire to experience a “lively and evolving dynamic of a racially and ethnically complex society,” as he later recalled to The New York Times [4]. This perspective was shaped by his upbringing in Jamaica, which was still under British rule during his formative years [4].
Academic Career at Stanford
Donald Harris’s academic journey took him from the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1966, to various prestigious institutions [1]. He began his teaching career at the University of Wisconsin (Madison), where he was granted tenure just three years after completing his doctorate .
In 1972, Harris joined the faculty at Stanford University . His arrival at Stanford coincided with a period of student activism, as students campaigned for the economics department to make a stronger commitment to “radical political economics” [4]. Harris, who was described as a “Marxian economist” by The Stanford Daily in 1974, was initially invited as a visiting professor for two years but was subsequently asked to remain as a full-time professor in 1975 [4].
At Stanford, Harris played a pivotal role in developing the new program in Alternative Approaches to Economic Analysis as a field of graduate study [1] . For many years, he also taught the popular undergraduate course Theory of Capitalist Development . His research and publications centered on exploring the analytical conception of the process of capital accumulation and its implications for a theory of growth of the economy .
Harris’s approach to economics was considered part of the academic counterculture in the United States [3]. He questioned traditional mathematical presumptions of supply and demand and incorporated philosophies from various economic thinkers, including Adam Smith, David Ricardo, and Karl Marx [3]. His unique perspective was not only shaped by academic theories but also by his observations of economic realities in Jamaica, from discussions at his family’s store to conversations with sugar cane field workers [3].
Throughout his career, Harris traveled extensively, conducting research, consulting, and giving seminars in various countries across the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia . He maintained a continuous engagement with work on the Jamaican economy, serving at various times as an economic consultant to the Government of Jamaica and as an economic adviser to successive Prime Ministers .
Relationship with Kamala
Donald Harris met Shyamala Gopalan, a graduate student from India, at UC Berkeley in the fall of 1962 [1]. They married in July 1963 and had two daughters: Kamala Harris, who would become the 49th Vice President of the United States, and Maya Harris, a lawyer and political commentator [1].
Although the couple divorced in 1971 when Kamala was just seven years old, Donald Harris maintained that his love for his children never wavered [2]. Despite losing a “hard-fought custody battle,” he persisted in his responsibilities as a father [2].
Harris took pride in sharing his Jamaican heritage with his daughters. He recalls taking them to Jamaica in 1970 to explore his childhood haunts, an experience that likely had a lasting impact on Kamala’s worldview as a politician [2]. He continued to instill in them a sense of pride in their Jamaican roots, teaching them about the history, struggles, and cultural richness of the Jamaican people [3].
Their Civil Rights Activism
Involvement in the Civil Rights Movement
Shyamala Gopalan and Donald Harris, Kamala Harris’s parents, were both active participants in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Their paths converged at the University of California, Berkeley, where they met during this tumultuous period of social change [5]. As graduate students, they found common ground in their shared commitment to social justice and equality.
Shyamala Gopalan, despite being the only non-black member of a student group that met every Sunday, immersed herself fully in discussions about black authors and grassroots activism worldwide. These conversations covered a wide range of topics, from the anti-apartheid Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa to liberation movements in Latin America and the black separatist preaching of Malcolm X in the United States [6].
Donald Harris, an economics professor, brought his unique perspective to the civil rights movement. His approach to economics, which questioned traditional mathematical presumptions of supply and demand, was considered part of the academic counterculture in the United States [5].
The couple’s activism was not limited to academic discussions. They actively participated in protests and marches, often bringing their young daughter Kamala along. Harris recalls vivid memories from her childhood of being in a stroller amidst a “sea of legs moving about” and the energetic atmosphere of chants and shouts at civil rights marches [7]. These experiences exposed her to the realities of social activism from a very young age.
One particularly poignant incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by civil rights activists. Harris recounts a time when her parents, with her in a stroller, were forced to run to safety when violence broke out during a protest. They also faced police brutality, being sprayed with hoses, and confrontations with Hells Angels [6].
Impact on Kamala’s Values
The civil rights activism of Shyamala Gopalan and Donald Harris had a profound and lasting impact on their daughter, Kamala Harris. Growing up in a household where social justice was a central part of family discussions shaped her worldview and approach to politics [5].
Harris often speaks about inheriting her parents’ passion for fighting for civil rights and social justice. In her memoir, she emphasizes how these early experiences influenced her understanding of the importance of using one’s voice and taking action to create change [7].
A story Harris frequently shares illustrates how deeply ingrained these values were from her earliest years. She recounts a time when, as a fussing toddler, her mother asked her what she wanted. Her response, “Fweedom!” encapsulates the spirit of activism that surrounded her upbringing [7].
The vice president credits her mother with instilling in her the belief that “service to others gave life purpose and meaning” [7]. This lesson, learned through observing her mother’s dedication to both scientific research and social activism, has been a guiding principle in Harris’s own career in public service.
While Harris’s approach to creating change has evolved from street protests to seeking a seat at the table in government, the core values instilled by her parents remain evident in her commitment to social justice and her desire to fight for the rights of marginalized communities [5] [6]. Her upbringing in a household of civil rights activists has clearly shaped her political career and her dedication to addressing issues of inequality and discrimination.
Conclusion
The story of Kamala Harris’s parents, Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J. Harris, shows how their diverse backgrounds and accomplishments had a big impact on shaping the current Vice President of the United States. Their journey from India and Jamaica to the U.S., their groundbreaking work in science and economics, and their commitment to civil rights activism all played a part in molding Kamala’s values and aspirations. Their influence is clear in her career in public service and her dedication to fighting for social justice.
Shyamala and Donald’s legacy goes beyond their personal achievements. By instilling in their daughter a strong sense of identity, a passion for education, and a drive to make a difference, they helped pave the way for a new generation of leaders. Their story is a testament to the power of diversity, education, and activism to shape not just individuals, but the course of history. It reminds us of the lasting impact parents can have on their children’s lives and the broader society.
FAQs
What are the ethnic backgrounds of Kamala Harris’s parents?
Kamala Harris’s mother is of Indian descent, and her father is Jamaican. She has emphasized the importance of truth in leadership, especially in response to misrepresentations about her identity.
Who was Kamala Harris’s mother?
Kamala Harris’s mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a renowned biomedical scientist. Born on December 7, 1938, and passing on February 11, 2009, she made significant contributions to breast biology and oncology through her work at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Where was Kamala Harris born?
Kamala Harris was born in California, USA. Her father, Donald Harris, originated from Jamaica, and her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, hailed from India. Kamala Harris has often shared how she embraces and appreciates both of her cultural backgrounds.
Does Kamala Harris have any siblings?
Yes, Kamala Harris has a sister named Maya Harris. Maya has been an integral support to Kamala, especially notable during Kamala’s nomination for the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate. Maya continues to play a significant role in Kamala’s political career and personal life.
References
[1] – https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a33584703/kamala-harris-parents/
[2] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_of_Kamala_Harris
[3] – https://people.com/all-about-kamala-harris-parents-donald-harris-shyamala-gopalan-7974352
[4] – https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/13/us/kamala-harris-parents.html
[5] – https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/12/asia/kamala-harris-mother-india-intl-hnk/index.html
[6] – https://apnews.com/article/0b55116cc42c4a80b3a34b5080e98e40
[7] – https://www.today.com/parents/kamala-harris-parents-rcna162641