Who Is Donald Harris? Meet Kamala Harris’s Father and His Inspiring Story

Donald J. Harris is the father of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. He is an economist and Jamaican-American who is a retired professor. Donald has had a full and engaging life. Let’s find out more about him, his job, and his family.

Quick Facts About Donald Harris

Early Life in Jamaica

Donald Harris was born on August 23, 1938. He spent his childhood in Brown’s Town, Jamaica. His parents were Oscar Joseph Harris and Beryl Christie Finegan. He had a humble background, but education was important to them. His family also has a connection with Hamilton Brown, who was a plantation owner in Jamaica. This history is multifaceted and has been at the center of most discussions.

Emigrating to the United States

Donald migrated to the United States in 1961. He wished to pursue economics. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. This was a significant step. He had already completed his bachelor’s degree from the University College of the West Indies in 1960.

Career in Teaching and Economics

Donald became a prominent economist. He taught at numerous large schools. He worked at the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

He moved to Stanford University in 1972. There, he was the first Black tenured professor in the economics department. He taught numerous students and authored topics such as income, economic growth, and development.

Donald was a Post-Keynesian economist by faith. It implies that he had theories regarding money and employment in the real world. His followers were made aware of the impact of the economy on society by him.

He also served as a consultant to the government of Jamaica. He advised them and prepared them with policies and plans. Afterwards, he became the head of the Consortium Graduate School of Social Sciences in Jamaica.

His Family and Personal Life

During his time at Berkeley, Donald became acquainted with a young Indian student by the name of Shyamala Gopalan. She was a science student and a participant in the civil rights movement, as was he. They were married in 1963.

They had two daughters. Kamala was born in 1964, and Maya was born in 1967. Maya went on to become a lawyer and policy advisor.

Donald and Shyamala divorced in 1972. The age of Kamala was only seven years at that time. Shyamala brought up the girls after the divorce. Donald remained in contact. He visited them on weekends and summer holidays.

Relationship with Kamala

Donald and Kamala’s relationship over the years was bittersweet. She has spoken about his influence on her thinking. He encouraged her to be curious and brave.

Yet, there were moments when they did not see eye to eye. In 2019, Donald reacted when Kamala joked about Jamaican heritage. He did not appreciate the way she said it. Nevertheless, he is part of her narrative and upbringing.

READ ALSO: Kamala Harris Net worth, Age, Husband, Family, Facts & More

Books and Honors

Donald has authored numerous essays and papers. One such paper is entitled Reflections of a Jamaican Father. He discusses there about bringing up his daughters and remaining close to their Jamaican heritage.

In 2021, Jamaica honored him with a significant award. He was awarded the Order of Merit, one of the highest honors in Jamaica. This is an indication of how much he has contributed to the world of economics and his native country.

A Lasting Impact

Donald Harris is more than Kamala Harris’s father. He is a highly regarded teacher, author, and intellectual. He has experienced large changes and enabled others to see the world. His path from Jamaica to the pinnacle of U.S. academia is motivational. He is a testament that hard work and solid values can take one far.