Kamala Harris savoured the moment as she became the first woman, and the first black and Asian American, to be vice-president-elect, with a very hearty laugh.
The dust has settled on one of the most controversial US Elections in recent history and there are so many angles which can be discussed. From Trump’s sore concession, to the implications of a Biden administration on South Africa and other African countries. One person who has grabbed a large number of headlines in the wake of the Democrat’s victory at these elections is Kamala Harris.
Kamala made history as she became the first woman to take the #2 seat in the White House. But just who is America’s new Vice President and what does she stand for?
We put together some helpful information to help you get to know Joe Biden’s new second in command.
1. Early background
Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California to Shyamala Gopalan and Donald Harris. Kamala was the first of two children. From a young age, her parents ensured she was conscious – reports claim that Donald and SHyamala took a young Kamala along with them to protests in a stroller.
2. A beautiful and diverse heritage
Kamala has Jamaican and Indian heritage. Her father was born in Jamaica and her mother comes from India. Both parents played an active role in ensuring Kamala kept in touch with her roots.
3. Legal journey
After studying, Kamala went on to pursue a career in law. She passed the bar in 1990 and began practicing as a lawyer soon afterwards. This knowledge of the justice system would go on to shape an illustrious career.
4. California’s first Black Female DA
Kamala quickly began to rise up the political ladder thanks to her work in law and soon she made history after running for the district attorney position back in 2003. She emerged victorious, making history in the process.
5. Friends with Barack Obama
From 2004 Kamala and Barack Obama forged a strong political friendship. Both politicians would go on to make significant strides in their respective careers and to this day they have proven to be allies as well as confidantes.
Although there was that one comment…
Barack Obama landed himself in trouble when he made a rather inappropriate remark about his friend. As Kamala continued to rise up the political ladder, landing the Attorney General position in the process, Barack caught the wrath of the media when he described her as “The best looking Attorney General in the country”
6. Kamala joins The Senate
In 2016 Kamala’s story took an even more significant turn when she won the election that would see her join the US Senate for the first time. She quickly made a reputation for herself as a sharp-tongued senator who spared no blushes when it came to thorough interrogations.
7. Joe Biden picks his running mate
As Joe Biden squared off against Donald Trump in 2020, it made sense that he chose a running mate with such a decorated CV as Kamala’s. The 56-year-old legal boffin couldn’t say no! She also handled herself extremely well during her vice presidential debate against Trump’s running VP Mike Pence.
8. Kamala makes history [Again!]
After millions of votes, countless hours of campaigning, and years in the making, Kamala Harris made history once again when she was named as America’s first female vice president. Her election also brought hope to many people of colour in the USA. Time and time again, Kamala has broken barriers and left paths for those to follow after her.
Watch her triumphant victory speech below:
Main Image: IDN_News
