In a recent conversation, Vice President Kamala Harris’ childhood friend, Carole Porter, reflected on how their upbringing in a redlined neighborhood of the Bay Area influenced Harris’ journey.
In a memorable moment during her 2019 presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris shared a powerful memory from her childhood.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS: You know, there was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bussed to school every day. And that little girl was me.
CAROLE PORTER: You can call me Carole Porter, the other little girl on the bus, because that’s what Kamala calls me.
(LAUGHTER)
In a series titled “I Knew Her When”, Harris’ childhood friends recount her early years and the formative experiences that shaped her into a leader. This week’s focus highlights Porter, who lived just a few doors down from Harris in a diverse, working-class community in Berkeley.
PORTER: We really lived in a very multicultural community that was really beautiful – very working-class to lower-working-class. Just around the corner from where Kamala and I grew up was public housing. Our neighborhood included well-known figures like the first Black mayor and two Oakland Raiders players, in addition to regular visits from activist Huey Newton.
SHAPIRO: What do you remember about young Kamala Harris?
PORTER: She was confident and kind, just a typical kid. Sometimes we clashed but often spent time together at Shelton’s Daycare, where Kamala and her sister, Maya, lived above.
SHAPIRO: What influence did Kamala’s mother, Shyamala, have on her?
PORTER: Shyamala exuded confidence and strength. You couldn’t help but notice her presence in the neighborhood. She was a powerful figure who raised Kamala and Maya with strong values.
SHAPIRO: How did Kamala embrace her Indian identity?
PORTER: She was always proud of her heritage and would share little keepsakes from her family. One time, while waiting for the bus, she wanted me to wave at her grandparents. Her pride in her name and background was always evident.
SHAPIRO: And how did she navigate her Black identity?
PORTER: Kamala was very aware of her identity as a Black woman. We both understood how society would categorize us, and our experiences shaped how our families raised us in a racially divided America.
SHAPIRO: Can you discuss the impact of teenage pregnancies in your families during that period?
PORTER: It was both a challenging and beautiful experience. Our community embraced our children as family, showcasing the support structures we have. We raised those kids with love and care, emphasizing family bonds.
SHAPIRO: Given her family’s activist background, were you surprised she chose a career as a prosecutor?
PORTER: Not at all. It was significant for her to pursue that role, as representation in the legal system matters, especially for women of color.
SHAPIRO: What do you think Shyamala and Mrs. Shelton would think about Kamala’s achievements today?
PORTER: (Crying) It would mean the world to them. Both women dedicated their lives to their families and the community. I believe they are watching proudly as Kamala shares the strong values they instilled in her.
SHAPIRO: Thank you, Carole Porter, for sharing these insights on Kamala Harris’ extraordinary journey from her childhood to the national stage.
Tomorrow, we will continue with stories from those who worked closely with Kamala Harris during her tenure as California’s attorney general.
