By Julie Chan

On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris made history. She entered the White House as the USA’s first female and first Black and South Asian (being of Jamaican and Indian descent) Vice President. She has quickly become a role model not just to Americans but for many women and people of African descent around the world.

Kamala Harris was a monumental figure even before becoming vice president of the USA, having an extensive list of accomplishments and a large reputation. Her career began as a deputy district attorney in her hometown of Oakland, California and specialized in prosecuting gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse. This gave her a reputation for toughness. She created an innovative program that allows for first-time drug offenders to be able to earn a high school diploma and find a job position as San Francisco’s district attorney; she formed California’s first Bureau of Children’s Justice, enforced environmental law, led the movement for marriage equality, and achieved several other outstanding feats as California’s first female and Black attorney general. Her career in law demonstrated her dedication to public service and a strong sense of justice.

“AT EVERY STEP OF THE WAY, I’VE BEEN GUIDED BY THE WORDS I SPOKE FROM THE FIRST TIME I STOOD IN A COURTROOM: KAMALA HARRIS, FOR THE PEOPLE.”

Kamala Harris, Aug 19, 2020

She became the first Indian-American and second Black senator of the US Senate in 2017. She advocated for the betterment of immigrants and refugees, the safety of the American people against foreign threats, and fought for rent relief, maternal health care, the address of the climate crisis and more. She created legislation for the preservation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and for capital to be provided to low-income communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which were signed into law. Her extensive achievements created a buzz when she announced her candidacy for president, but she dropped out of the presidential race in December 2019 due to troubles with her campaign. Then, on August 11, 2020, Joe Biden announced her to be his vice president pick.

For us Canadians, another reason for excitement about Harris’s vice presidency is her Canadian connection. She moved to Montreal from California when she was 12-years-old and attended high school at Westmount High (in downtown Montreal). Many politicians wonder how this connection will affect Canadian negotiations with Biden’s government and the United States, especially with her Canadian-like views.

Nonetheless, Kamala Harris is an amazing woman with an astounding number of achievements. Her career in law and politics has greatly improved the lives of American citizens. People around the United States and around the world celebrated her historical election as vice president. We hope her influence will reach beyond to improve the world.