Kamala Harris: The First Female, Black, and South Asian American Vice President
Early Life and Education
Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a breast cancer researcher from India, and her father, Donald Harris, was an economics professor from Jamaica.
Harris attended Howard University, a historically Black college in Washington, D.C., where she earned a political science degree. She then went on to earn a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Political Career
Harris began her political career as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office in California. She was elected District Attorney of San Francisco in 2003, becoming the first woman and the first African American to hold the position.
In 2010, Harris was elected Attorney General of California, becoming the first woman and the first Black American to hold that office as well.
Vice President of the United States
In 2020, Harris was chosen as Joe Biden's running mate in the presidential election. They won the election and took office on January 20, 2021.
As Vice President, Harris has focused on issues such as climate change, criminal justice reform, and voting rights.
Accomplishments
Harris has been a trailblazing figure throughout her career. She is the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States.
In addition to her work in politics, Harris is also an advocate for social justice and equality. She is a member of the National Black Women's Caucus and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
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