Childhood and Education Journey of Kamala Harris in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Kamala Harris. From birth to education, explore key events.

Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney. She served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025, making history as the first female, first African American, and first Asian American to hold the office. Prior to becoming Vice President, she represented California in the U.S. Senate (2017-2021) and served as California's Attorney General (2011-2017). A member of the Democratic Party, she was the party's nominee in the 2024 presidential election.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1938: Birth of Kamala Harris's Parents

In 1938, both Kamala Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan, and her father, Donald J. Harris, were born. Shyamala was born in India and Donald in Jamaica.

1958: Shyamala Gopalan Arrived in the United States

In 1958, Kamala Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan, arrived in the United States from India to pursue graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

1961: Donald J. Harris Immigrated to the United States

In 1961, Kamala Harris's father, Donald J. Harris, immigrated to the United States from Jamaica to enroll at UC Berkeley.

1962: Kamala Harris's Parents Met

In 1962, Kamala Harris's parents, Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J. Harris, met at UC Berkeley.

1963: Kamala Harris's Parents Married

In 1963, Kamala Harris's parents, Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J. Harris, married.

October 20, 1964: Kamala Devi Harris's Birth in Oakland, California

On October 20, 1964, Kamala Devi Harris was born in Oakland, California, to Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J. Harris.

October 20, 1964: Kamala Harris's Birth

On October 20, 1964, Kamala Devi Harris was born. She would later become an American politician and attorney, and the 49th vice president of the United States from 2021 to 2025.

1966: Family Moved from Berkeley and Maya was born

In 1966, the Harris family moved from Berkeley. Kamala's sister Maya was born in Urbana, Illinois that year.

1970: Marriage began to falter

By 1970, Kamala Harris's parents' marriage had begun to falter, leading Shyamala to move back to Berkeley with her daughters.

1972: Donald Harris accepted position at Stanford

In 1972, Donald Harris accepted a position at Stanford University. Kamala and Maya spent weekends at their father's house in Palo Alto and lived at their mother's house in Berkeley during the week.

1976: Family moved to Montreal

In 1976, Shyamala Harris accepted a research position at McGill University School of Medicine, and moved with her daughters to Montreal, Quebec.

1981: Attended Vanier College

In 1981, Kamala Harris attended Vanier College in Montreal.

1981: Graduated from Westmount High School

In 1981, Kamala Harris graduated from Westmount High School on Montreal Island.

1982: Attended Vanier College

In 1982, Kamala Harris attended Vanier College in Montreal.

1986: Graduated from Howard University

In 1986, Kamala Harris graduated from Howard University with a degree in political science and economics.

1989: Graduated with a Juris Doctor

In 1989, Kamala Harris graduated from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law with a Juris Doctor degree.

2009: Death of Kamala Harris's Mother

In 2009, Kamala Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan, passed away after a career as a biologist and researcher.

August 22, 2014: Marriage to Doug Emhoff

On August 22, 2014, Kamala Harris married attorney Doug Emhoff in Santa Barbara, California, becoming stepmother to his two children.

January 13, 2015: Boxer announced she would not run for reelection

On January 13, 2015, Senator Barbara Boxer announced that she would not run for reelection in 2016.

2015: Donated Trump's Contribution to Nonprofit

In 2015, Kamala Harris donated Donald Trump's contribution to her reelection campaign to a nonprofit that advocates for civil and human rights for Central Americans.

August 2017: KHive Formation

In August 2017, Joy Reid first used the term KHive in a tweet, marking the initial formation of an online informal organization using the hashtag #KHive to support Kamala Harris's candidacy.

October 2018: Target of Mail Bombing Attempts

In October 2018, Kamala Harris was a target of the United States mail bombing attempts.

January 21, 2019: Announced Candidacy for President

On January 21, 2019, Kamala Harris officially announced her candidacy for president of the United States in the 2020 presidential election.

August 11, 2020: Biden Announced Harris as Running Mate

On August 11, 2020, Joe Biden announced that he had chosen Kamala Harris as his running mate for the upcoming presidential election, marking several historic firsts.

January 18, 2021: Resigned from Senate Seat

On January 18, 2021, Kamala Harris resigned from her seat in the Senate, before taking office as Vice President on January 20.

January 20, 2021: Sworn in as Vice President

On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice President of the United States, becoming the first woman, the first African-American, and the first Asian-American to hold the office.

November 19, 2021: Served as Acting President

On November 19, 2021, Kamala Harris served as acting president from 10:10 to 11:35 am EST while President Biden underwent a colonoscopy, becoming the first woman to assume the powers and duties of the presidency.

2023: "Coconut Tree" Remark

In 2023, Kamala Harris made a remark "You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you" at a White House event.

August 2024: Net Worth

As of August 2024, Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff had an estimated net worth of $8 million.

January 20, 2025: Harris Leaves Office

On January 20, 2025, Kamala Harris left office as Vice President, succeeded by JD Vance, and moved to Los Angeles with her husband to help distribute food to victims of the Palisades Fire.