Donald J Harris A Jamaican American Economist And Father Of Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris' Father: Meet the Jamaican-American Economist Who Shaped Her Life

Donald J. Harris: A Jamaican-American Economist and Father of Kamala Harris

The Early Years and Immigration to the United States

Donald J. Harris, the father of former Vice President and current U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, was born in 1938 in Jamaica. He immigrated to the United States in 1961 to pursue higher education.

Education and Career in Economics

Harris Sr. earned his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1966. He went on to obtain his doctorate in economics from Stanford University in 1972. He began his career as an assistant professor of economics at Stanford in 1972 and became a full professor in 1980. Harris Sr. taught economics at Stanford for over 30 years, specializing in political economy and development economics.

Marriage to Shyamala Gopalan and Family Life

Harris Sr. met his future wife, Shyamala Gopalan, in 1962 while they were both students at UC Berkeley. They married in 1963 and welcomed two daughters, Kamala and Maya.

Legacy and Impact on Kamala Harris

Donald J. Harris has been described as a brilliant economist and a loving father. His influence on his daughter's political career and personal life is evident. Kamala Harris has often spoken about the values and principles she learned from her parents, crediting them with shaping her worldview and inspiring her commitment to public service.