US Vice President Kamala Harris recently delivered a momentous speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, where she officially accepted her party’s nomination for the upcoming November election. As she stood on stage, her family members, including her husband, Doug Emhoff, and sister, Maya Harris, were by her side. However, one significant figure was noticeably absent—her father, Donald Harris.
Who Is Donald Harris?
Donald Harris, an 86-year-old economist, has been largely estranged from his daughter, Kamala. Born in Jamaica, he has a distinguished academic background, earning his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. He is known for his contributions to economic theory and wealth distribution, and has held teaching positions at prestigious institutions like Stanford University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Described as a “combative Marxist economist,” Donald Harris has been a vocal advocate for social justice and economic equality.
The Estranged Relationship
Despite his impressive academic achievements, Donald Harris has had a strained relationship with Kamala. The estrangement between father and daughter has been well-documented, with Donald choosing to remain largely silent on Kamala’s political career since 2019. That year, he publicly criticized a comment she made about her Jamaican heritage in connection to marijuana use, expressing disappointment at the stereotype it perpetuated. He emphasized that his family’s name and proud Jamaican identity should not be associated with such notions.
In her DNC speech, Kamala briefly mentioned her father, recalling his encouragement during her childhood. She shared a memory of him telling her, “Run, Kamala, run. Don’t be afraid. Don’t let anything stop you.” However, she also acknowledged that her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who passed away in 2009, was the primary figure in raising her and her sister after their parents’ divorce when Kamala was just eight years old.
Donald Harris’ Achievements and Recognition
While Donald Harris has not been involved in Kamala’s political life, he recently received recognition in Jamaica for his contributions to the country’s economic development. In October 2021, he was awarded the Order of Merit, one of Jamaica’s highest honors. However, Kamala was not by his side during the ceremony, further highlighting the distance in their relationship.
Conclusion
Donald Harris, despite his absence from the Democratic National Convention and his estrangement from Kamala, remains a significant figure due to his academic contributions and influence on economic thought. His complex relationship with Kamala, marked by both shared ideals and personal differences, continues to shape the narrative of the Vice President’s family life.
Leave a Reply