San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, who is the first African American
San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, who is the first African American woman nominee for California attorney general, opened up on breaking barriers at the Aspen Ideas Festival. “There is no such thing as inspiring to be the first,” Harris told us. “I believe we are inspired because we believe we can do the job better.”
“Issues that impact children have been marginalized far too long,” said Harris, who specialized in child sexual assault cases and has created a child assault unit in her office. The stereotype has been that “you care about children’s issues if you’re a woman, parent or care about cute, cuddly things.” Watch:
When reporters would ask her when she was elected district attorney in 2003, what it’s like to be the first female DA of San Fran — another impressive feat — Harris would respond, “I’ve always been a woman so I really don’t know what to tell you, but I’m sure a man can do the job just as well.” As far as being an inspiration to future generations, Harris said, I definitely appreciate the role of mentor. “My mother had a saying, ‘You may be the first to do many things, Kamala, but make sure you are not the last.’” Watch:
Kamala Harris credits much of her accomplishments to the mentors in her life. the first African American woman and South Asian American woman in California to become District Attorney in San Francisco and the Democratic nominee for the state’s attorney general — said that each of us has an obligation to lead the way for others.
“I would not be the democratic nominee for attorney general for the biggest state in the country if it wasn’t for people in every stage of my life – relatives and strangers – coming around me, supporting me and believing in me,” Harris told us. Watch the clip below on the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors:
