Vice President Kamala Harris often references her upbringing and family as she campaigns for the presidency, including rare mentions of her father at the Democratic National Convention. Harris was born in Oakland, California, to immigrant parents: Shyamala Gopalan from India and Donald Harris from Jamaica. Her parents divorced when she was 7, and she spent much of her youth in Canada with her mother, who was a researcher at McGill University School of Medicine. Following Harris’ nomination for the Democratic presidential ticket, her father Donald J. Harris, a retired Marxist economist and Stanford University professor, came into the spotlight. He has been described as a clear writer with Marxist views.
Donald J. Harris, born in Jamaica in 1938, earned his doctorate in economics from the University of California in Berkeley in 1966. He met Kamala’s mother at Berkeley, and they had two daughters together. Donald held teaching positions at various universities before settling at Stanford as a professor of economics in 1972. Recognized for his expertise in developing public policies to promote economic growth and social equity, he was the first Black scholar to receive tenure in Stanford’s economic school. Following his retirement, Donald continued to work on economic growth policies for Jamaica. Although he rarely speaks publicly about his daughter’s political achievements, he remains a professor emeritus at Stanford.
Kamala Harris has not frequently mentioned her father in her political career, stating in 2003 that they were not close but improving their relationship in recent years. In her memoir and DNC speech, she emphasized her mother’s pivotal role in shaping her and her sister. Harris’ father, in a 2020 essay, detailed his efforts to maintain a relationship with his daughters despite a challenging custody battle that imposed limitations on his involvement. In response to Kamala’s lighthearted mention of her Jamaican heritage and marijuana use in 2019, Donald Harris expressed disapproval of the joke, noting that it misrepresented Jamaican identity.
Donald Harris has since chosen to avoid the media spotlight, declining interviews and letting his daughter’s political journey unfold independently. Following his criticism of Kamala Harris’s comment on marijuana use, he has stayed out of political discussions. While Harris’ father has maintained a private presence, he has reflected on his efforts to stay connected to his daughters and uphold his responsibilities as a father. Despite limited public appearances and comments, the legacy of Donald J. Harris as an accomplished economist and advocate for economic growth continues to be recognized in academic circles.
Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledges her father’s influence in her life, particularly his encouragement to be fearless and pursue her dreams. Growing up with a mother who spearheaded their upbringing, Harris credits both her parents for shaping her values and resilience. As she embarks on her presidential campaign, Harris draws from her diverse heritage and family background to connect with voters across the nation. Despite political differences and occasional disagreements, the Harris family remains united in their shared commitment to their Jamaican and Indian roots.
The legacy of Donald J. Harris, a pioneering economist and advocate for social equity, adds depth to Vice President Kamala Harris’s narrative. As a professor emeritus at Stanford University, Donald continues to influence economic growth policies for Jamaica and inspire his daughters to navigate life’s challenges with resilience. While their relationship has seen its ups and downs, the bond between father and daughter endures, reflecting the complexities of family dynamics in the political arena. Through their individual achievements and shared values, the Harris family embodies a multicultural, multi-generational story of perseverance and dedication to public service.
