Donald Harris, the father of Kamala Harris, has been making headlines recently as his daughter takes center stage in the political world. As the first African American and Asian American woman to be nominated for Vice President, Kamala Harris has been receiving a lot of attention. But who is the man behind this groundbreaking woman? Let’s take a look at the life and accomplishments of Donald Harris.
Born in Jamaica, Donald Harris has made a name for himself as an accomplished professor of economics at Stanford University. He holds a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley and has taught at various universities including Northwestern, Wisconsin, and the University of Illinois. He is also a published author, with works such as “Capital Accumulation and Income Distribution” and “The New Landscape of Income Inequality in America” to his name.
But beyond his impressive academic credentials, Donald Harris is also a dedicated father. He and his wife, Shyamala Gopalan, raised their two daughters, Kamala and Maya, to be strong, independent, and driven individuals. In fact, Kamala has often credited her parents for instilling in her the values of hard work, determination, and social justice. In an interview with Vogue, Kamala described her father as “a dreamer and a doer” who taught her to always aim high and never give up on her dreams.
Despite his busy schedule as a professor, Donald Harris has always been an active part of his daughters’ lives. He has attended their graduations, cheered them on at their sporting events, and even helped them with their homework. In fact, Kamala has mentioned that her father used to make her and her sister write essays during their summer breaks to keep their minds sharp.
Apart from being a supportive father, Donald Harris is also a loving husband. He met his wife, Shyamala, when they were both graduate students at Berkeley. Shyamala, who was originally from India, shared his passion for social justice and civil rights. They both took part in the civil rights movement and even brought their daughters along to protests and rallies. Shyamala passed away in 2009, but her legacy continues to live on in her daughters and her husband.
As Donald Harris’ daughter, Kamala, makes history with her nomination for Vice President, he has been thrust into the spotlight as well. Here are 5 fast facts you need to know about this remarkable man:
1. He has always been vocal about social and economic issues. In a 2018 op-ed for Jamaica Global Online, Donald Harris wrote about the importance of tackling income inequality and the need for progressive policies to address this issue. He has also been a strong advocate for immigration reform and has spoken out against the Trump administration’s policies.
2. He is proud of his Jamaican heritage. In an interview with Jamaica Global Online, he stated, “I was born in Jamaica, I am a proud Jamaican, and I will always be Jamaican.” He has also passed down his love for Jamaica to his daughters, who both have Jamaican middle names – Kamala’s is Devi, which means goddess, and Maya’s is Lakshmi, which means Hindu goddess of wealth.
3. He has a passion for cricket. Growing up in Jamaica, Donald Harris was an avid cricket player and fan. He has also passed down this love for the sport to his daughters, who have both played the game in their youth.
4. He is a dedicated educator. Throughout his career, Donald Harris has been passionate about teaching and has mentored many students who have gone on to become successful economists and academics. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the field of economics, receiving awards such as the John Bates Clark Medal from the American Economic Association.
5. He has a close relationship with his daughter, Kamala. Despite the demands of his career, Donald Harris has always made time for his family. He and Kamala have a close bond, and she often speaks fondly of her father’s influence on her life. In a tweet, she described him as her “biggest cheerleader.”
In conclusion, Donald Harris is not only the father of Kamala Harris, but also a remarkable individual in his own right. From his impressive academic achievements to his dedication to his family and his advocacy for social and economic issues, he has left a lasting impact on those around him. As Kamala Harris continues her journey to the White House,
