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, notable as the 49th Vice President of the United States (2021-2025) under President Joe Biden. She holds the distinction of being the first female, African American, and Asian American to hold the office. Previously, she served as a U.S. Senator representing California (2017-2021) and as the Attorney General of California (2011-2017). A member of the Democratic Party, Harris 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: Mother Shyamala Gopalan Born

In 1938, Kamala Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born. She later became a biologist.

1958: Mother Arrived in the US

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

1961: Father Immigrated to the US

In 1961, Kamala Harris's father, Donald J. Harris, immigrated to the United States from Jamaica and also enrolled in UC Berkeley.

October 20, 1964: Kamala Harris Born

On October 20, 1964, Kamala Devi Harris was born. She would later become an American politician and attorney.

1966: Family Moved from Berkeley

In 1966, the Harris family moved from Berkeley around Kamala's second birthday.

1972: Father Accepted Position at Stanford University

In 1972, Donald Harris accepted a position at Stanford University, and Kamala and her sister spent weekends at their father's house.

1976: Moved to Montreal

In 1976, Kamala Harris moved with her mother and sister to Montreal, Quebec, after her mother accepted a research position at McGill University School of Medicine.

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 Juris Doctor

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

2009: Mother Shyamala Gopalan Died

In 2009, Kamala Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan, passed away.

August 22, 2014: Harris Marries Doug Emhoff

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

2015: Donated Contributions to Non-profit

In 2015, Kamala Harris donated Donald Trump's contributions to a "nonprofit that advocates for civil and human rights for Central Americans."

October 2018: Target of Mail Bombing Attempts

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

2023: "Fell Out of a Coconut Tree" Clip

In 2024, a video clip from 2023 of Kamala Harris saying "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 went viral.

August 2024: Harris and Emhoff's Estimated Net Worth

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

2024: Viral Memes

Since the launch of her 2024 presidential campaign, Kamala Harris's remarks have been widely shared as memes, resulting in press coverage of her public image.

January 20, 2025: Harris Leaves Office

On January 20, 2025, Kamala Harris left office as Vice President of the United States, succeeded by JD Vance. She and her husband moved to Los Angeles and assisted in distributing food to victims of the Palisades Fire.