1. Personal Experiences with Racism
Busing and School Desegregation
Kamala Harris often shares her experience of being part of the second class to integrate her public schools in Berkeley, California, through a busing program. This experience highlighted the racial disparities in education and the challenges faced by Black students in predominantly white schools.
- Source: Harris discussed this in-depth during the first Democratic debate in June 2019, where she confronted Joe Biden about his past opposition to federally mandated busing.
2. Racial Discrimination in Professional Life
Challenges in Legal and Political Career
Kamala Harris has spoken about facing discrimination and being underestimated in her career as a district attorney, California Attorney General, and U.S. Senator. As a Black woman in predominantly white and male-dominated fields, she often encountered biases and stereotypes.
- Source: In her memoir, "The Truths We Hold," Harris details some of these experiences and the barriers she faced as a woman of color in her professional journey.
3. Public Statements on Racial Profiling
Advocacy and Legislative Efforts
Harris has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and has consistently addressed issues related to racial profiling. As a senator, she co-sponsored legislation like the Justice in Policing Act, aimed at increasing police accountability and addressing systemic racism in law enforcement.
- Source: Harris's work on the Justice in Policing Act and her advocacy for criminal justice reform are well-documented in her Senate records and public statements.
References
- Democratic Debate, June 2019:
- Kamala Harrisās Memoir, "The Truths We Hold":
- Goodreads summary of "The Truths We Hold"
- Washington Post review of "The Truths We Hold"
- Justice in Policing Act:
- Congress.gov summary of the Justice in Policing Act
- ABC News article on the Justice in Policing Act