10 Little-Known Facts About Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris has made history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States. While many know her for her political career, there are some surprising and lesser-known facts about her life. Here are 10 things you probably didn't know about Kamala Harris!
1. Her Name Means "Lotus" in Sanskrit
Kamala's full name is Kamala Devi Harris. "Kamala" means "lotus" in Sanskrit (a symbol of purity and beauty in Indian culture), and "Devi" means "goddess." Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, chose the name to honor her Indian heritage.
2. She Lived in Canada as a Teenager
After her parents divorced, Kamala moved with her mother and sister to Montreal, Canada, where she attended Westmount High School. She has joked about learning French (Canada's second language) and experiencing snowy winters for the first time.
3. She Was Part of the First Sorority Founded by Black Women
At Howard University, Kamala joined Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc., the first Black Greek-letter sorority. She remains an active supporter of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).
4. She Was a Breakdancer in College
Before becoming a prosecutor and politician, Kamala was part of a breakdancing group in college. She even taught her future stepchildren (Ella and Cole Emhoff) some moves!
5. She Was the First Woman to Interrogate a Sitting VP in the Senate
As a senator, Harris famously grilled then-Vice President Mike Pence during a 2017 hearing on Russian election interference. Her sharp questioning style earned her viral fame.
6. She Has a Secret Rap Talent
In a 2020 interview, Kamala revealed she knows all the lyrics to Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice"—a nod to her California roots (Snoop is from Long Beach, near her hometown).
7. She Was the First Female DA of San Francisco
In 2003, Harris became the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian person to serve as San Francisco's District Attorney.
8. She Loves Cooking & Has a Signature Dish
Kamala enjoys cooking and says her go-to comfort meal is pot roast with carrots and potatoes—a recipe she learned from her mother.
9. She Was Almost a Professional Pianist
Kamala played piano growing up and even considered pursuing music professionally. She still plays for relaxation and has been spotted playing in the White House.
10. She's the First VP to Attend an HBCU
Before becoming VP, Harris was already a trailblazer as the first HBCU graduate (Howard University) to hold the office. She frequently credits Howard for shaping her career.
Final Thought
Kamala Harris is more than just a politician—she's a breakdancing, piano-playing, rap-loving trailblazer with a unique life story. Which fact surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!
#KamalaHarris #VicePresident #HistoryMaker #FunFacts
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