Kamala Harris: From Prosecutor to Prime Presidential Candidate

On the morning of Monday, July 22nd, 2024 –a day that will go down in history, President Joe Biden gracefully relinquished his bid for re-election and immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the primary democratic presidential candidate.

​Later that night, as reported by Lori Lakin Hutcherson, Editor-in-Chief of Good Black News, over 44,000 Black women and allies from the US and around the globe, on a Zoom organized by Win With Black Women, raised over $1.5 million for Harris' newly-minted campaign to secure the nomination. Here’s a brief overview of Vice President Harris to better why she is worthy of this awesome level of support, including support from the COO of Zoom, who happens to be a Woman of Color, who increased the participant capacity from 1K to over 40K in real time!

Early Life and Education
Kamala’s journey to becoming a prime candidate for President of the United States is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and groundbreaking achievements. Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, to parents of Indian and Jamaican descent, Harris's multicultural heritage has been a cornerstone of her identity and political vision. Harris's early life was marked by a strong sense of justice and community activism, influenced by her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a cancer researcher and civil rights activist. After pursuing a degree in political science and economics at Howard University, one of the nation's most prestigious Historically Black Universities, Kamala then earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Legal Career and Rise to Prominence
Kamala’s legal career began in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, where she prosecuted cases of gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse. Her reputation for being tough but fair earned her the position of San Francisco District Attorney in 2003. She initiated several progressive reforms, including a reentry program for low-level drug offenders and measures to combat truancy in schools.

​In 2010, she broke barriers by becoming the first woman, first Black and South Asian American to be elected as California's Attorney General. She continued her focus on criminal justice reform, addressing issues such as the home foreclosure crisis and climate change.

U.S. Senate and National Recognition
In 2016, Kamala was elected to the U.S. Senate, representing California. As a senator, she quickly gained national recognition for her sharp questioning and advocacy on issues such as immigration, healthcare, and civil rights. She served on several key committees, including the Senate Judiciary Committee, where her prosecutorial skills were prominently displayed during high-profile hearings.

Vice Presidency and Beyond
Kamala’s political acumen and broad appeal led to her selection as Joe Biden's running mate in the 2020 Presidential Election. On November 7, 2020, she made history once again as the first female Vice President, the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, and the first Black/Asian American Vice President. As Vice President, Kamala Harris has played a crucial role in shaping the administration's policies on issues such as COVID-19 relief, infrastructure, and voting rights. Her leadership style, characterized by a blend of pragmatism and idealism, has resonated with many Americans. With her extensive political experience, dynamic leadership, and unwavering dedication to public service, Kamala Harris stands poised to lead the nation into a new era of progress and inclusivity.