The Parents Of Kamala Harris

The current Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, was deeply influenced by her parents, Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J. Harris. Their diverse backgrounds and notable accomplishments have sparked curiosity about their lives and impact on their daughter. The tale of Kamala Harris’s parents is one of drive, intelligence, and dedication to social equality.

Their paths crossed while they were pursuing graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, during the 1960s. Shyamala, a talented scientist from India, and Donald, a skilled economist from Jamaica, bonded over their shared passion for civil rights activism. This mutual commitment to fairness and justice would significantly shape their daughter’s upbringing and eventual public service career. To fully grasp Kamala Harris’s background, it’s essential to delve into the extraordinary lives and contributions of her parents, as well as the principles they instilled in her from childhood.

Shyamala Gopalan: The Trailblazing Researcher

Childhood and Academic Journey

Born on December 7, 1938, in Madras, British India (now Chennai, Tamil Nadu), Shyamala Gopalan was the daughter of P. V. Gopalan, a civil servant, and Rajam [1]. Her early years were characterized by a strong focus on education and a desire to push boundaries. Despite her parents’ hopes for their children to pursue careers in medicine, engineering, or law, Shyamala chose a different route [1].

She began her academic path at Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, studying for a Bachelor of Science in Home Science [1]. This subject, which centered on skills deemed useful in homemaking, was viewed by her father as unsuitable for her abilities [1]. However, Shyamala had loftier goals.

In a daring move that would define her future, Shyamala applied to a master’s program in nutrition and endocrinology at the University of California, Berkeley, when she was just 19 [1]. Her acceptance into this program marked the start of her journey as a pioneering scientist. Her parents, recognizing the value of education, used part of their retirement savings to support her first year of studies [1].

Career in Breast Cancer Research

Shyamala’s academic pursuits culminated in her earning a PhD in nutrition and endocrinology from UC Berkeley in 1964 [1]. Her dissertation, overseen by Richard L. Lyman, was titled “The Isolation and Purification of trypsin inhibitor from Whole Wheat Flour” [1]. This achievement set the stage for her groundbreaking career in scientific research.

Her professional path led 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 lent her expertise to the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill University Faculty of Medicine [1].

Shyamala’s research made important strides in understanding hormones related to breast cancer [1]. Her work on isolating and describing the progesterone receptor gene in mice transformed research on how breast tissue responds to hormones [1]. This breakthrough has had lasting effects on breast cancer research.

Her commitment to science took her around the world. She carried out research in France and Canada, always driven by her goal to find a cure for breast cancer [2]. Her daughter, Kamala Harris, even lived in Wisconsin for part of her childhood due to her mother’s work [2].

Impact on Kamala Harris

Shyamala Gopalan’s impact on her daughter, Kamala Harris, was deep and wide-ranging. Harris often talks about her mother’s legacy, highlighting the two main goals Shyamala had: to find a cure for breast cancer and to raise her daughters well [3].

Shyamala’s strong work ethic and dedication showed clearly in Harris’s political campaigns. During Harris’s first run for San Francisco district attorney, Shyamala was always at campaign headquarters, helping with tasks like sealing envelopes, making phone calls, and taking care of volunteers [2].

Shyamala’s fight with colon cancer, which took her life in 2009, also shaped Harris’s views on healthcare. During her presidential campaign, Harris often spoke about her experiences with the healthcare system while her mother was going through chemotherapy [2].

Even in her final days, Shyamala’s spirit and humor left a lasting mark. A family friend remembered how she kept her wit and warmth during her hospital stay, traits that are seen in her daughter Kamala [2].

Shyamala Gopalan’s life as a groundbreaking scientist, devoted mother, and key figure in her daughter’s life shows the power of determination, intelligence, and kindness. Her journey from a young woman in India to a respected researcher in the United States paved the way for her daughter’s historic achievements, embodying the spirit of progress and perseverance.

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Donald J. Harris: The Economist from Jamaica

Early Life and Move 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 roots, which he later passed on to his children [3].

In the fall of 1961, Harris came to the University of California, Berkeley on the Issa Scholarship, set up and funded by Kingston merchant Elias A. Issa in the 1930s [1]. This move marked the start of his journey in the United States, where he would later become a naturalized citizen [2].

Harris chose to pursue his doctorate in the United States because he wanted to experience a “lively and evolving dynamic of a racially and ethnically complex society,” as he later told The New York Times [4]. This view was shaped by his upbringing in Jamaica, which was still under British rule during his early years [4].

Academic Career at Stanford

Donald Harris’s academic path took him from the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1966, to several prestigious institutions [1]. He started teaching at the University of Wisconsin (Madison), where he got tenure just three years after finishing his doctorate.

In 1972, Harris joined the faculty at Stanford University. His arrival at Stanford coincided with a time of student activism, as students pushed for the economics department to focus more on “radical political economics” [4]. Harris, who The Stanford Daily called a “Marxian economist” in 1974, was first invited as a visiting professor for two years but was then asked to stay on as a full-time professor in 1975 [4].

At Stanford, Harris played a key 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 focused on exploring the analytical concept of capital accumulation and its implications for a theory of economic growth.

Harris’s economic approach was seen as part of the academic fringe in the US [3]. He challenged traditional supply and demand models and blended ideas from various economists, including Smith, Ricardo, and Marx [3]. His unique view was shaped not just by academic theories but also by his observations of Jamaica’s economy, from talks at his family’s store to chats with sugar cane workers [3].

During his career, Harris traveled widely, doing research, consulting, and giving talks in many countries across the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He stayed involved with work on Jamaica’s economy, serving at times as an economic consultant to the Jamaican Government and as an adviser to several Prime Ministers.

Relationship with Kamala

Donald Harris met Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian graduate student, at UC Berkeley in fall 1962 [1]. They wed in July 1963 and had two daughters: Kamala Harris, who would become the 49th US Vice President, and Maya Harris, a lawyer and political commentator [1].

Though the couple split in 1971 when Kamala was just seven, Donald Harris said his love for his children never faded [2]. Despite losing a tough custody battle, he kept up his duties as a father [2].

Harris took pride in sharing his Jamaican heritage with his daughters. He remembers taking them to Jamaica in 1970 to explore where he grew up, an experience that likely shaped Kamala’s worldview as a politician [2]. He continued to instill in them pride in their Jamaican roots, teaching them about the history, struggles, and rich culture 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 in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. They met at UC Berkeley during this time of social change [5]. As graduate students, they shared a commitment to social justice and equality.

Shyamala Gopalan, the only non-black member of a student group that met every Sunday, joined in talks about black authors and global grassroots activism. These chats covered topics from South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement to Latin American liberation efforts and Malcolm X’s black separatist preaching in the US [6].

Donald Harris, an economics professor, brought his unique view to the civil rights movement. His approach to economics, which questioned traditional supply and demand models, was seen as part of the academic fringe in the US [5].

The couple’s activism went beyond academic talks. They joined protests and marches, often bringing young Kamala along. Harris recalls being in a stroller amid a “sea of legs” and the lively atmosphere of chants and shouts at civil rights marches [7]. These experiences exposed her to social activism from a very young age.

One striking incident shows the risks faced by civil rights activists. Harris remembers a time when her parents, with her in a stroller, had to run to safety when violence broke out during a protest. They also faced police brutality, being sprayed with hoses, and clashes with Hells Angels [6].

The influence of Shyamala Gopalan and Donald Harris’s civil rights activism on their daughter, Kamala Harris, was profound and enduring. Growing up in a household where social justice was a central topic shaped Kamala’s worldview and political approach [5].

Kamala often talks about inheriting her parents’ passion for civil rights and social justice. In her memoir, she highlights how these early experiences shaped her understanding of using one’s voice and taking action to create change [7].

A story Kamala frequently shares illustrates how deeply these values were ingrained from her earliest years. She recalls a time when, as a fussy toddler, her mother asked what she wanted. Her response, “Fweedom!” captures the spirit of activism that surrounded her upbringing [7].

The vice president credits her mother with teaching her that “service to others gave life purpose and meaning” [7]. This lesson, learned by watching her mother’s dedication to scientific research and social activism, has guided Kamala’s public service career.

While Kamala’s approach to creating change has shifted from street protests to seeking government positions, the core values instilled by her parents remain evident in her commitment to social justice and her fight for marginalized communities’ rights [5] [6]. Her upbringing in a household of civil rights activists has shaped her political career and her dedication to addressing inequality and discrimination issues.

Conclusion

The story of Kamala Harris’s parents, Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J. Harris, demonstrates how their diverse backgrounds and achievements significantly influenced the current U.S. Vice President. Their journey from India and Jamaica to the U.S., their groundbreaking work in science and economics, and their dedication to civil rights activism all contributed to shaping Kamala’s values and aspirations. Their impact is evident in her public service career and her commitment to fighting for social justice.

Shyamala and Donald’s legacy extends beyond their accomplishments. By instilling in their daughter a strong sense of identity, a passion for learning, and a drive to make a difference, they helped pave the way for a new generation of leaders. Their story shows the power of diversity, education, and activism in shaping not just individuals, but the course of history. It reminds us of the lasting impact parents can have on their children’s lives and society at large.

FAQs

What are Kamala Harris’s parents’ ethnic backgrounds?
Kamala Harris’s mother is of Indian descent, while her father is Jamaican. She has stressed the importance of honesty in leadership, especially when addressing misrepresentations about her identity.

Who was Kamala Harris’s mother?
Kamala Harris’s mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a well-known biomedical scientist. Born on December 7, 1938, and passing away on February 11, 2009, she made important 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, came from Jamaica, and her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was from India. Kamala Harris has often talked about how she values 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 a key support for Kamala, notably during Kamala’s nomination for the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate. Maya continues to play an important role in Kamala’s political career and personal life.