Beyond Politics: 20 Hidden Facts About Kamala Harris' Life You Didn't Know

Kamala Harris 101: Fun Facts About the VP Who Could Be President

Voters often claim they don’t know what Kamala Harris stands for beyond her political career, but there’s so much more to the woman behind the Vice Presidency. Beyond her trailblazing role as the first female, African-American, and Asian-American to hold the position, Harris’s personal life is filled with quirky, relatable, and heartwarming details that most people don’t know. From her love for cooking Indian dishes, her passion for gardening, to her collection of Converse sneakers, Harris has an eclectic mix of hobbies and habits that show a very different side to her than what’s seen in the political spotlight. In this article, we’re diving deep into 20 things you didn’t know about Kamala Harris, giving you a sneak peek into the real person behind the politician. Whether it’s her love for game nights or her relationship with family, you’re in for a few surprises!

1. She Loves to Cook and Entertain

Kamala Harris is known to be quite the home chef, and cooking is one of her favorite ways to relax. She enjoys making traditional Indian dishes like masala dosa and is known for preparing elaborate meals for friends and family. Harris often shares that she learned to cook from her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, and still uses many of her mother’s recipes. Harris has even hosted Thanksgiving dinners and other celebrations at her home, blending flavors from her Indian and Jamaican heritage.

2. Her Middle Name, Devi, Honors Her Indian Roots

Kamala’s full name is Kamala Devi Harris. The name "Devi" is a Sanskrit word that means “goddess” and holds significant cultural meaning in India. Harris has always embraced her dual heritage, celebrating both her Indian and Jamaican roots, and the name “Devi” serves as a reminder of the strong women in her family. Despite her public persona, many people don’t know that she holds this deeply personal connection to her Indian ancestry through her name.

3. She's a Step-Mom Who Goes by "Momala"

Kamala Harris is not only a political leader but also a stepmother to her husband Doug Emhoff’s two children, Cole and Ella. They affectionately call her “Momala,” a blend of “Kamala” and “Mom.” Harris is very close to her stepchildren and has openly spoken about the joys and challenges of being a step-parent. She has shared that her relationship with them is a central part of her life, and she loves spending time with her family whenever she’s not on the political stage.

4. She Was in a Sorority at Howard University

Harris attended Howard University, one of the country’s most prestigious historically Black universities, where she majored in political science and economics. While at Howard, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), the first Black Greek-letter sorority founded in 1908. Harris remains deeply connected to her AKA sisters and credits her time at Howard for shaping her worldview and political ambitions. Even during her vice presidency, she continues to honor her ties to the sorority, which helped fuel her passion for public service.

5. Her First Job Was in a Research Lab

Before pursuing a career in law and politics, Harris worked in a research lab during her teenage years. As the daughter of a cancer researcher, Harris often spent time in the lab with her mother. Her first summer job involved labeling tubes and performing basic lab tasks. This early exposure to science and research instilled in her a respect for the field, and she’s mentioned that it influenced her evidence-based approach to policy, particularly in areas like healthcare and climate change.

6. Kamala Collects Converse Sneakers

Kamala Harris is known for her stylish and professional wardrobe, but one thing people often don’t know is her love for Converse sneakers. Whether she’s campaigning or walking through airports, Harris often opts for a pair of Chuck Taylors over more formal footwear. She has mentioned that Converse is her go-to brand because they’re comfortable and practical for her hectic lifestyle, while also allowing her to stay true to her casual and down-to-earth personality.

7. She Has a Deep Connection to Music

Music has always been an important part of Kamala’s life. Growing up, her mother played classical Indian music and jazz at home, while her father introduced her to reggae. Today, she enjoys a wide range of music from different genres. She’s been spotted grooving to songs by artists like Mary J. Blige and Tupac, and has spoken publicly about how music helps her unwind. Harris even shared a campaign playlist on Spotify, featuring everything from hip-hop to Motown classics.

8. She Was Friends with Maya Rudolph Before the SNL Parodies

Before Maya Rudolph started portraying Kamala Harris on Saturday Night Live, the two had already met and become friends. Their connection predates Harris’s vice presidency, and they have a shared sense of humor. Kamala has spoken about how much she loves Rudolph’s impersonation of her, noting that she finds the parodies hilarious and a great example of why it’s important not to take oneself too seriously.

9. Kamala Is a Yoga Enthusiast

Yoga is a big part of Kamala Harris’s fitness routine, and she practices it regularly to maintain balance amidst her stressful schedule. She has mentioned that yoga helps her stay focused and grounded, both mentally and physically. Harris picked up yoga during her time living in California, where the wellness culture is strong, and it remains one of her favorite ways to relax and de-stress, particularly before important meetings or events.

10. She's a Big Fan of Classic Films

Kamala Harris has a soft spot for classic movies. She loves watching old Hollywood films, particularly those from the 1940s and 1950s. Some of her favorite films include Casablanca and It’s a Wonderful Life, which she watches regularly around the holidays. Harris enjoys the timeless themes of these films and often quotes her favorite lines. This love for old-school cinema offers a glimpse into her personal life and how she unwinds from the pressures of politics.

11. Kamala's Parents Were Civil Rights Activists

Both of Kamala Harris’s parents were deeply involved in the civil rights movement, and their activism had a profound impact on her worldview. Her mother, Shyamala, marched for civil rights in the 1960s, while her father, Donald, was also active in the movement. Growing up in such an environment, Kamala was exposed to social justice causes from an early age, often attending protests and events with her parents. This upbringing laid the foundation for her commitment to public service and her lifelong dedication to fighting for equality and justice.

12. She Studied French in High School

During her time living in Montreal, Canada, Kamala Harris attended a French-speaking school. As a result, she became fluent in French during her teenage years. While she doesn't use the language often in her political career, Kamala has joked that her French has become a bit rusty over the years. Nevertheless, her ability to speak another language highlights the international upbringing that shaped her perspective on the world.

13. Her Wedding Was a Small, Private Ceremony

When Kamala Harris married attorney Doug Emhoff in 2014, the couple opted for an intimate and private wedding ceremony in Santa Barbara, California. Only close friends and family were present, and the ceremony reflected the couple's laid-back approach to life. Despite the simplicity of the event, their marriage has become a prominent feature of Kamala’s public life, and their blended family dynamic is something she often shares with the world.

14. She's a Dog Lover

Kamala Harris is a big fan of dogs and has always been a supporter of animal rights. She and her husband, Doug Emhoff, welcomed their first rescue dog, named "Cole," into their family. Cole is named after jazz legend John Coltrane. Later, they adopted another dog, Ella, named after Ella Fitzgerald. Both dogs often make appearances in Harris’s social media posts, showing her softer side and her love for animals.

15. Kamala Has a Passion for Books

Growing up with academic parents, it’s no surprise that Kamala Harris is an avid reader. She particularly loves biographies and historical nonfiction. One of her favorite books is The Autobiography of Malcolm X, which she has mentioned in several interviews as having a significant impact on her understanding of race and identity. Harris has also written her own books, including The Truths We Hold, which chronicles her journey in politics and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

16. Her Favorite Food Is French Fries

Despite her busy schedule and healthy lifestyle, Kamala Harris has a guilty pleasure—French fries. She has called them her “desert island food” and can never pass up a chance to indulge in some crispy fries. Harris often jokes that, while she enjoys cooking elaborate meals, nothing quite hits the spot like a plate of perfectly cooked French fries.

17. She's a Devoted Aunt

Kamala Harris has a close-knit family, and she’s particularly close to her niece, Meena Harris, who is an author and entrepreneur. Kamala has supported Meena’s career from the start and often promotes her niece’s work on social media. Meena has frequently spoken about how her aunt has been a source of inspiration, both personally and professionally. Kamala also makes time to be present in the lives of her other nieces and nephews, emphasizing the importance of family in her life.

18. Kamala Loves to Garden

Kamala Harris has a green thumb and enjoys gardening in her spare time. She often spends time planting flowers and vegetables in her home garden, a hobby she picked up from her mother. Harris has mentioned that gardening helps her connect with nature and provides a peaceful escape from her often hectic schedule. It’s also a way for her to unwind while still staying productive and active.

19. She's a Big Fan of Game Nights

Kamala Harris loves hosting game nights with her family and friends. Whether it’s a game of Scrabble, charades, or card games, Harris enjoys the competitive yet fun atmosphere that comes with it. Game nights have become a regular tradition in the Harris-Emhoff household, with Kamala often taking the lead in organizing these events. It’s one of her favorite ways to bond with her loved ones and take a break from the intensity of her work.

20. Her Childhood Nickname Was "Kamala the Warrior"

Kamala Harris’s mother used to call her “Kamala the Warrior” as a child, a nickname that reflected her strong-willed nature and determination. Harris has shared that her mother always encouraged her to stand up for what she believed in, and the nickname stuck as a reminder of her mother’s belief in her strength and resilience. Today, Harris carries that same spirit with her in her political career, often referring to her mother's words as a guiding force in her life.

Kamala Harris’s journey is one of perseverance, trailblazing, and breaking boundaries, but beyond her political achievements lies a rich tapestry of personal interests and life experiences that have shaped who she is today. From her early exposure to civil rights activism with her parents to her current love for cooking and game nights with her family, Harris exemplifies the balance between work and personal life. Her dedication to public service is matched by her devotion to her loved ones, whether she’s being “Momala” to her stepchildren or practicing yoga to stay grounded. Harris’s story is a reminder that even the most powerful figures have relatable, human sides, filled with quirks, hobbies, and passions. So the next time you see her in a political debate or casting a historic Senate vote, remember that behind the podium is a woman who also loves French fries and classic movies. Kamala Harris is truly one-of-a-kind.

Stay tuned to Woke Waves Magazine for more insights into trailblazing leaders shaping our future.

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