ECNETNews, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. August 22, 2024: In a historic moment tonight in Chicago, Vice President Kamala D. Harris, 59, will ceremonially accept the Democratic Party’s nomination as its Presidential candidate for the upcoming Nov. 5 election, marking her as the first Black woman of Caribbean and South Asian heritage to achieve this milestone. However, aspects of Harris’s Caribbean roots have largely been overlooked in official narratives surrounding her campaign.
Harris identifies herself simply as “Black and South Asian” in her biography, leading to a widespread omission of her Jamaican heritage, particularly her father’s lineage. Her father, Professor Donald J. Harris, an esteemed Jamaican immigrant, remains unacknowledged in the dominant portrayal of her identity.
In response to this narrative, Felicia J. Persaud, CEO of Invest Caribbean, mobilized support from Caribbean immigrant groups and leaders to create the Caribbean American Action Network (CAAN). On January 17, 2021, just days before Harris’s inauguration, they hosted a vibrant celebration to emphasize her Caribbean heritage.
The star-studded event highlighted Caribbean culture and featured performances from renowned artists, including Jamaican Dancehall star Flourgon, Soca king Edwin Yearwood from Barbados, and Grammy-nominated Dr. Monty Alexander. Other notable participants included reggae star Nadine Sutherland, gospel singer Joan Meyers, and several rising talents showcasing the rich diversity of Caribbean music.
The event also welcomed influential speakers such as Caribbean-born U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat and Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, among others. These leaders collectively underscored the significant impact of Caribbean Americans on the national stage.
In a rare acknowledgment of her heritage, Harris’s team provided a speech recognizing the contributions of Caribbean Americans during this celebration. Although she refrained from directly mentioning Jamaica, she did express pride in her Caribbean roots and the important role of Caribbean Americans in shaping the U.S.
As Harris prepares to deliver a major speech tonight while accepting the DNC nomination, many are hopeful that she will fully embrace and highlight her Caribbean heritage, remembering that her identity is deeply connected to her father’s background.
