Maya Harris described her sister Kamala Harris as a leader who understands the struggles of being underestimated and who fights for the rights and freedoms of all Americans.
With Kamala Harris now the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, attention has turned not only to her political journey but also to those closest to her, including her husband, stepchildren, and particularly her younger sister, Maya Harris.
Maya has been a constant presence in Kamala’s life, both personally and professionally, and her recent appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago highlighted the deep connection between the two.
Also Read:- Who is Paetongtarn Shinawatra, The Youngest Prime Minister of Thailand
During her speech on the final day of the convention on August 22, Maya Harris reflected on their shared upbringing and the influence of their late mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris. Maya spoke of how their mother instilled in them the belief that they could achieve anything.
“She raised us to believe that we could be and do anything, and we believed her,” Maya said, emphasizing the lessons of authenticity and resilience passed down from their mother.
Maya Harris described her sister as a leader who understands the struggles of being underestimated and who fights for the rights and freedoms of all Americans. “Kamala knows what it’s like to be underestimated and counted out,” she said. “She’s always been about fighting for each of us to have the freedom to be the authors of our own stories.”
Kamala Harris and Maya Harris have a strong bond
Maya’s relationship with Kamala is deeply rooted in their shared history. The sisters were born to immigrant parents—Donald Harris from Jamaica and Shyamala Gopalan from India—who met as graduate students at the University of California, Berkeley.
After their parents’ divorce, Kamala and Maya were raised by their mother, who moved the family to Montreal for a job at McGill University. There, the sisters, who didn’t speak French like their peers, relied on each other, forming an “unbreakable bond” that has lasted throughout their lives.
Also Read:- Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Assassinated in Tehran; Group Blames Israel
Maya Harris is a lawyer
Like Kamala, Maya Harris pursued a career in law, attending Stanford Law School before becoming a civil litigator, adjunct law professor, and Dean of Lincoln Law School of San Jose. Her work has spanned policy, civil rights, and social justice, with positions at Harvard Law School, the ACLU of Northern California, and the Ford Foundation.
Maya has also been a significant figure in Democratic politics, serving as a senior policy advisor to Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign and as campaign chairperson for Kamala’s 2020 presidential bid.
Maya Harris has a daughter named Meena
Beyond her professional achievements, Maya Harris is also a mother and grandmother. She gave birth to her daughter Meena as a teenager, raising her while juggling school and work. Meena has since followed in her mother’s footsteps, becoming a successful entrepreneur and author. Maya’s close relationship with her daughter and grandchildren is a source of pride and joy, as she often shares her experiences of being both a mother and grandmother.
Maya Harris’ struggles with lupus disease
Maya has also been open about her struggles with lupus, an autoimmune disease she has lived with for decades. In 2020, she wrote a powerful essay for The Atlantic, detailing her journey with the illness and how she kept it private for many years.
In addition to her advocacy and professional work, Maya has inspired her daughter Meena, who published a children’s book, “Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea,” based on the lives of her mother and aunt. Meena has spoken about how the strong, brilliant women in her life shaped her worldview and inspired her to make a difference in the world.
Also Read:- President Biden Steps Aside, Citing Concerns for U.S. Democracy and Endorsing New Leadership
As Kamala Harris continues her political journey, Maya Harris remains a vital part of her life, providing support, wisdom, and a deep connection to their shared roots and values. Their story is one of family, resilience, and a commitment to fighting for a better future.