Kamala Harris is both Indian and Black, identifying with both her Indian and Jamaican heritage.

Her Background

Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father. Harris has consistently identified as both Black and South Asian. She attended Howard University, a historically Black institution, and is actively involved in the African American community, including joining Alpha Kappa Alpha, a Black sorority.

How She Identifies

Harris describes herself as the first Black American and the first South Asian American to be elected vice president. In her memoir, Harris wrote that her mother understood she was raising Black daughters and aimed to make them confident, proud Black women. At the same time, Harris has celebrated her South Asian roots and heritage through her mother, who was born in Chennai, India.

Public Discussions

Trump and some media outlets have questioned her identity, but Harris herself embraces both aspects of her heritage, and her official profiles reflect this dual identification.

Kamala Harris is therefore both Indian and Black, and publicly embraces both identities.