10 Things You Should Know About Vice President Elect Kamala Harris

For the first time in US history, the country has elected a woman as it’s vice president. This is the highest position a woman has ever had in the US political system, and hopefully as a gender we can keep climbing up that ladder.

Seeing a woman take this position is amazing to watch and a moment that will be remembered throughout history. So, what do we know about Vice President elect Kamala Harris?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Comment below to wish Kamala a happy birthday!

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Oct 20, 2020 at 6:11am PDT

1. First up, make sure you’re saying her name properly. It’s not said ‘kam-ahh-la’ but is actually pronounced ‘comm-la.’

Her name also has a beautiful meaning, as a Sanskrit word for ‘lotus’ and Lakshmi, who is the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, power, luxury, beauty, and fertility.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Oct 26, 2020 at 11:29am PDT

2. Kamala will be the first African American, the first Asian American as well as the first female vice president in the history of the United States.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Nov 2, 2020 at 5:50pm PST

3. She is the author of two non fiction books, and one children’s book called ‘Superheroes Are Everywhere.’

A woman of many talents.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

At a young age, I was told to look after my sister Maya. I’ve carried that with me throughout my life: a strong desire to look after and protect others who need support and help.

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Sep 25, 2020 at 9:40am PDT

4. Kamala is the daughter of immigrant parents. Her father, Donald Harris is from Jamaica and made the move to the US to pursue a career in economics.

Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan was raised in India and came to America at 19, refusing an arranged marriage and instead became involved in the American Civil Rights Movement where she met Kamala’s father.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Go get ‘em, @JoeBiden.

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Aug 20, 2020 at 5:44pm PDT

5. Ironically, Donald Trump has previously made campaign donations to Kamala. When she was running for re-election as California’s attorney general he donated $5,000 in 2011 and later $1,000 in 2013.

Donald’s daughter, Ivanka also donated $2,000 to her campaign in 2014.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

@JoeBiden and I are ready to get to work on behalf of the American people.

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Nov 7, 2020 at 12:06pm PST

6. Joe Biden’s son Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015 was close friends with Harris.

As well as working together in California and Delaware they worked on many issues including the financial crisis of 2008.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Jul 9, 2020 at 6:52am PDT

7. A music lover, Kamala is a big rap and hip-hop fan. Back in 2017 she shared her favourite playlist on Spotify which included Kendrick Lamar, TLC, Lauryn Hill and Beyonce.

Listen here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Nov 7, 2020 at 9:27am PST

8. She’s super into fitness, and especially loves spin class. Kamala works out every morning and is a big lover of SoulCycle as she said “It’s like going to the club.”

Speaking about her passion for working out in a 2016 interview she said; “You’ve got to work out. It has nothing to do with your weight. It’s about your mind.”

Considering she was out for a run when she heard the news that she was Vice President, we’re not surprised this is her mantra.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Jun 21, 2020 at 6:32am PDT

9. She married her husband, Doug Emhoff in 2014 and she is stepmother to his two children from a previous marriage to film producer, Kerstin Emhoff.

Cole is named after John Coltrane and her daughter, Ella after Ella Fitzgerald.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Jan 25, 2020 at 6:40am PST

10. Kamala insists she may be the first woman to hold the office of Vice President, but is determined to pave the way for others to come after her.

“While I may be the first woman in this office. I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.”

Watch her full acceptance speech from last night below.

Tags:

• kamala harris