The People's President: The Legacy of Kamala Harris

Written By: Enjelle M.

Journalist

Kamala Harris has been shattering glass ceilings long before she made history as the first female Vice President of the United States. Her extraordinary journey, beginning with her time at Howard University and leading to her role as the second-most powerful person in the country, is a story of resilience, fierce ambition, and a deep commitment to public service. From her groundbreaking work as a prosecutor to her historic run for the White House, Harris’s path is marked by a series of remarkable accomplishments that have not only redefined leadership but also inspired countless others to dream bigger.

College Years: A Foundation in Social Justice

Kamala Harris's commitment to justice and equality took root during her time at Howard University, one of the most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation. At Howard, Harris studied political science and economics, gaining a solid foundation in the systems that govern our society. She was an active member of the debate team and joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she developed her leadership skills and a strong sense of sisterhood and community. These formative years at Howard set the stage for Harris's lifelong commitment to fighting for marginalized communities and championing civil rights.

Early Career: From Prosecutor to District Attorney

After graduating from Howard, Harris went on to earn her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She began her career as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California, where she prosecuted cases involving gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual assault. Harris quickly gained a reputation as a tough, but fair prosecutor who was deeply committed to justice.

In 2003, Harris made history by becoming the first woman and the first Black and South Asian American to be elected as the District Attorney of San Francisco. In this role, she launched several innovative programs, including the “Back on Track” initiative, which focused on providing first-time drug offenders with job training and education instead of prison time. This program was widely recognized for reducing recidivism rates and became a model for similar programs across the country.

California Attorney General: Championing Progressive Causes

Harris’s success as District Attorney propelled her to run for California Attorney General in 2010, a race she won by a razor-thin margin, becoming the first woman and person of color to hold the office. As Attorney General, Harris continued her focus on criminal justice reform, but also expanded her efforts to include consumer protection, environmental justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.

One of her most notable achievements during this time was securing a $20 billion settlement for California homeowners affected by the foreclosure crisis, holding big banks accountable for their role in the housing market collapse. Harris also defended California’s landmark climate change legislation and fought against Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that sought to ban same-sex marriage in the state.

U.S. Senate: A National Voice for Justice

In 2016, Harris was elected as the United States Senator from California, becoming the second Black woman and the first South Asian American senator in U.S. history. During her time in the Senate, Harris served on several key committees, including the Judiciary Committee, where she became known for her sharp questioning and fearless advocacy.

During her tenure as U.S. Senator for California, Kamala Harris championed several key legislative efforts that focused on justice, equality, and the well-being of all Americans. She co-sponsored the Justice in Policing Act to address police brutality and systemic racism, advocating for increased accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Harris also introduced the Rent Relief Act, aimed at providing tax credits to renters facing high housing costs, reflecting her commitment to addressing California's housing crisis. Additionally, she played a significant role in pushing for the DREAM Act, which sought to protect undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

Harris was also instrumental in advancing healthcare access, notably co-sponsoring the Medicare for All Act, which sought to create a single-payer healthcare system to ensure that every American had access to affordable healthcare. She supported the Maternal CARE Act, which aimed to reduce racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, a critical issue given the alarming rates of maternal mortality among Black women. Furthermore, Harris introduced the LIFT the Middle Class Act, which proposed significant tax cuts for working families, reinforcing her focus on economic justice and uplifting underserved communities across California and the nation.

Vice President of the United States: Making History

Kamala Harris’s historic rise reached its pinnacle in 2020 when she was elected as the Vice President of the United States, serving alongside President Joe Biden. She is the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to hold this office, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations of leaders.

As Vice President, Harris has continued her work on key issues such as voting rights, climate change, and criminal justice reform. She has taken on a significant role in addressing the root causes of migration from Central America and has been a leading voice in the administration’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kamala Harris’s journey from her days as a student at Howard University to becoming the Vice President of the United States is a powerful testament to her perseverance, leadership, and dedication to public service. Her achievements highlight her steadfast commitment to justice, equality, and making a tangible impact on the lives of everyday Americans. As she continues to break barriers, Harris’s legacy as a trailblazer and a true advocate for the people is certain to inspire future generations. This is why she’s destined to be the greatest president of the United States.