Who are Kamala Harris’ parents? Meet Shyamala Gopalan and Donald Harris

 

Kamala Harris has frequently spoken about the profound influence her parents, particularly her mother, had on her life and career. Her mother’s encouragement and wisdom, especially the advice to not be the last when being the first, profoundly shaped her outlook and ambitions.

Early Life and Family Background

• Parents’ Origins and Meeting: Harris is the eldest daughter of Donald Harris, an economist from Jamaica, and Shyamala Gopalan, a breast cancer researcher from southern India. They met as graduate students at UC Berkeley, both being part of the Afro-American Association.
• Academic Achievements: Shyamala earned her undergraduate degree at 19 and a Ph.D. in nutrition and endocrinology from UC Berkeley at 25. Her decision to stay in the U.S. and marry Donald was seen as an act of self-determination and love.

Cultural Heritage and Upbringing

• Multifaceted Heritage: Harris was raised to appreciate her South Asian roots while also understanding the realities of being seen as Black in America. Her mother ensured that Harris and her sister grew up to be confident, proud Black women.
• Civil Rights Influence: Harris’ parents were active in the civil rights movement, often taking her to marches. These experiences ingrained in her the importance of social justice from a young age.

Family Dynamics

• Parental Separation: Harris’ parents separated when she was around five years old and divorced a few years later. Her father remained a part of their lives, but her mother primarily raised her and her sister.
• Impactful Memories: Harris shares memories of both her parents, highlighting how her father’s encouragement and her mother’s strength shaped her upbringing.

Parental Achievements and Legacy

• Mother’s Career: Shyamala Gopalan was a renowned breast cancer researcher with significant contributions to the field. Harris often speaks with pride about her mother’s dedication to her daughters and her scientific work.
• Father’s Contributions: Donald Harris is a prominent economist who has shared fond memories of his daughters and his ongoing commitment to them despite the challenges posed by the custody battle post-divorce.

Continued Inspiration Harris continues to draw inspiration from her parents’ dedication to education, social justice, and family. Her reflections on their influence underscore the values that drive her public service and personal life.

Donald Harris, meanwhile, is a prominent economist. He served as a professor of economics at Stanford University from 1972 to 1998, and is now a professor emeritus.

In addition to his academic role, he served as an economic consultant to the government of Jamaica, and as an adviser to multiple prime ministers, according to his Stanford biography.