The FRONTLINE Interviews
Stacey Johnson-Batiste
Harris Childhood Friend
Stacey Johnson-Batiste is Kamala Harris’ oldest childhood friend. She is the author of Friends from the Beginning The Berkeley Village That Raised Kamala and Me.
The following interview was conducted by the Kirk Documentary Group’s Mike Wiser for FRONTLINE on July 24, 2024. It has been edited for clarity and length.
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Childhood Friendship with Kamala Harris
So let's just start at the beginning.When do you first run into Kamala Harris?
Kamala and I first met in kindergarten.So she was four-and-a-half years old, and I was five already.And we became friends instantly.And our mothers became really close friends.So going back 55 years.
And what was she like back then, in kindergarten?
Sure.She was my best friend, my only friend, really, at that point in time.She was a lot of fun.She and I liked to play outside.So, when I think back to kindergarten and elementary school, we would go to the parks.Our mothers would take us to FairyLand, which was this fantasy-type park land that's in Oakland, [Calif.].We would go to the library.We would love to play in my backyard.So in my backyard, I had a seesaw, a merry-go-round, we had little bicycles and tricycles.So we loved to play outside.She was a lot of fun.
Growing Up in Berkeley
Let's start with the environment that you were growing up in, in Berkeley at that time, and the world that was surrounding you as young girls.What was it like?
Sure.So we grew up in Berkeley, California.And this was during the '60s and the '70s.If I can kind of paint a picture for you, it was a very active, very engaged community.On any given day, walking down University Avenue or Telegraph Avenue, you could see protests, or demonstrations of some sort.It was a very diverse community.So diversity, in terms of food and art and music.And you know, at any given time, you could hear the Hare Krishna marching down the streets, playing their tambourines.Across the street you may hear African drummers, drumming on congas.And a few blocks up, you may see a small group protesting.So this was a very active, very engaged, very vibrant community.And our parents were very active, very engaged in whatever was going on in Berkeley.And, at that time, whatever issues were significant, not only in the Bay Area, but in California or throughout the country, or throughout the world, Berkeley was at the forefront of being outspoken, being engaged, being enlightened.So that kind of gives you a sense of the environment that she and I grew up in.
It really does.What were some of the issues that would have affected you, or shaped you, that you saw people out there advocating and protesting, and would have shaped a young Kamala Harris?
Right.Well, I know that she talks about being in a stroller with her parents.I remember being young.And around the time I was in Girl Scouts, one of my mom's good friends, we would go to her house.And I remember she and my mom printing flyers, putting papers in envelopes, having to do with Civil Rights, women's rights, animal rights.During this time, I do remember there was a big back-to-Africa movement.So I know my parents and their friends, they were very Afrocentric, wearing dashikis, and we wore Afros.And, in terms of poetry, and literature, they were just very enlightened and instilled in us self-pride, and really understanding our roots, and this country.And you know, just the sense of wanting to be active, be engaged, you know, for the good of others.
She's going to choose a route to go into government, and into politics.Do you see a connection with that environment she grew up in?
Absolutely, absolutely, without a doubt.I can think back to when we both lived in the same condominium building in Oakland.And that condo was a couple blocks from the Oakland courthouse.And I remember her walking with her briefcase, very purposefully.At that time, she was a champion for women's rights, and protecting both women and children from abuse.So no, she is very much a Civil Rights leader.And as her personal friend, I don't think of her as a politician.I really think of her as an attorney.And throughout her entire life, and her career, she's been focused on civil justice.So that's really the Kamala that I know.
Harris’ Parents
You talked about her parents a little bit.But her parents meet in a Civil Rights event.And what does she get from them, from her mom and her dad?What's the family that she's growing up in?
So Kamala's parents both attended UC Berkeley, so they met as students at UC Berkeley.They also had some common friends.Some of those individuals became like an uncle and aunt to both Kamala, her sister Maya, and my brother, and me.So they had this core group that were very engaged, and very interested in issues that were going on, protests, Civil Rights issues, things of that sort.…
And she was picking it up?Or was she bored in the back of the room?Or was this an exciting world for her to grow up in?
So this is when her parents were in college, but they continued to be engaged.…Shyamala [Harris' mother]—it was very important to her to teach her girls, and to expose them to not only their East [sic] Indian heritage and culture, but also the African American heritage and that culture.Shyamala was an activist, absolutely.And she was a pioneer.So these themes carried throughout our lives as children, teenagers, in our twenties, and on into our careers.
Tell me about what her mom was like.I mean she has such an incredible story on her own.She sounds like an amazing figure.Tell me about her mom, about Shyamala.
Wow.Yeah, this gets me a bit emotional, because the one thing that I really wish is that Shyamala was here to see how far, and how amazing Kamala is.Shyamala, like my mom, they were small women in stature.But they were very powerful.They were very independent, very intelligent, very loving, just a wonderful, wonderful mom.And you know, they loved to laugh.They loved to play records, listen to music.She was one of the leaders, one of the first women, I would say, who was leading in breast cancer research.So, you know, she was a very accomplished woman, very courageous.She traveled from India as a teenager to attend UC Berkeley.So these are very, very strong role models, very influential, beautiful women.
Do you know if she had an explicit expectation on those girls, that they were going to be exceptional?Or was it her example?
I think it was more of Shyamala's example, that you can be a very loving, warm mother, and sister, and daughter, and also have an amazing career, and kind of break the ceiling in a field that is predominantly men.So I think she led by her own example.What I believe was probably most important to her, was that her girls followed their own passion.But always, lead with integrity, and kindness.
I think she said that one of the things her mom said was, “Don't let other people define you.” That you have to sort of set your own way.And that's something you saw from her?
Absolutely.I mean, Kamala is, you know, thinking back to when we were teenagers, she danced to her own beat.She had her own mind.She was an independent thinker.And she was a role model.And she was also one of the warmest, kindest person — I mean, to this day, and throughout her entire life, she's the kind of person that you want to be around.I would be so excited when my mom would say that Kamala or Shyamala and the girls would be coming back to the Bay Area from Montreal.And so my mom would say, “They land on Friday,” right.I would be so excited.I couldn't wait for them to get back to Berkeley, back to the Bay Area, because there was like a certain light, a certain warmth, that you just want to be around them.
We talked a little bit about the politics of the environment.But you've also written about what it was like to grow up as a Black kid in Berkeley, how it was different from your cousins, who might be in Stockton or somewhere else.Can you help me understand why it would have been a unique place to grow up?
Sure.And at the time, I didn't think it was unique at all.That was just the way that I, you know, that was just the environment that I lived in.But it was, number one, very diverse, in terms of just restaurants.We would go to Indian food one night, Mexican food the next night, Italian, you know.So it was a very diverse community.My parents have always had friends, close friends, of all nationalities.And at our house in Berkeley, which is still my parents' home, there were people coming by, visiting my parents.My father was very, very popular.Everyone in Berkeley knew Robert Johnson.So there was just, I don't know, it was a very, very colorful, very bright, vibrant community, close community.And we were exposed to all of this.And, in my opinion, exposure is everything, you know, to different cultures, and food, and art, and people, and thoughts.So diversity was what I grew up in, is what we grew up around.
Harris Was Resilient from a Young Age
She's also talked about when Donald Trump was making sort of racist and sexist comments about her.She said, you know, “I've heard that my whole life.And it doesn't get to me.” Was that also — besides there was the diversity — was that also part of growing up at that time, that she would have heard those types of comments?
Absolutely.And, as you become a teenager in high school, I don't know exactly what her experience was in Canada, because we were together when she would come home.But I can imagine being a Black woman myself, and kind of moving into a career that I moved into, which was predominantly male.I was designing data networks.I know how challenging it can be, and how you have to constantly prove yourself.And you know, just to be thought of as half as good, and that kind of thing.So I think that she probably heard those kinds of comments throughout her entire career, from the beginning in the DA's office, all the way through.
And you do say that, even at a young age, you have to deal with bullies.And you saw her reaction to that.Can you tell me about that?
Sure.So I will say that the fighter that we see today, it comes natural.I mean, when I go back, and think back to kindergarten, we were working on some art projects; we were making some clay art or clay ashtrays, or something of that sort.And this one boy in our class had taken mine, threw it on the ground, and it shattered.And Kamala got so mad at him that she jumped in between him and me, had some words.And he got so mad, to the point where he picked up either a piece of that hardened clay, or a rock, and hit her just above one of her eyes.And it was a big deal.Her mom was called, had to come from work, and take Kamala to have stitches.But all that to show that, even at that age, age five, you know, she stood up for the underdog.And she was not afraid, and is definitely not afraid to stand up to any bully.
Can you still see a scar?
Yes.And I don't remember if it's over her left or her right eye, but there is still a scar from that incident.
And so, what does that tell you about her, from that young age?
That she is courageous like her mother, she cares about people.You know, Kamala definitely cares about people.She's empathetic.And she's a great friend.She's a loyal friend.She's a steadfast friend.And she's still one of my very best friends.And it's been over 55 years.
Harris’ Move to Canada
You guys are close friends, and then she has to move to Canada.And then I guess she also spends some time in the Midwest.Can you tell me about that move?Because for her, it must have been an experience, to be uprooted from this world you're talking about, and moved to the Midwest, to Montreal.
Absolutely.And she didn't really talk to me about her feelings about the move at that time.Or if she did, I don't really remember.But Kamala, she's always had the ability to adapt.And when she would come home for Christmas or Thanksgivin, or summer breaks, I didn't hear any complaints or any of that.We just immediately would pick up right where we left off, hit the town, hit Telegraph Avenue, and do what we've always done.
But I do remember my mom talking to Shyamala.And Shyamala was concerned and felt torn about taking the girls from Berkeley, moving up there.I do remember my mom saying that.But I don't remember Kamala complaining at all.
And do you remember why she decided to move?
Yes.She accepted a position as a professor at McGill University.
And it's interesting, when you look at her, because you said she's good at adapting.And she's got family in India that she goes and visits, and Jamaica.And she grows up in Berkeley, and she has to move to Montreal, where apparently she's enrolled in a French speaking school as a 12 year old.And these very different environments.I mean, do you think that shapes who she is, having to go between these different worlds?
Absolutely.I mean, that goes back to what I mentioned about exposure.Being exposed to different cultures, different schools of thought, different environments, just differences, period, it allows a person to understand people, to understand where they're coming from, to have that kind of intellectual curiosity and openness.So absolutely.And I think that that's one of her greatest strengths.And the reason I believe that she's able to unite people, is because of that diverse background and exposure.
Harris Attends Howard University
Do you know why she goes to Howard, why she chooses to go to school there?
That was the only university she wanted to go to.That's the only one that I remember her talking about.She was dead-set on Howard from day one.And I was dead-set on either UC Berkeley, UC Davis, or UC Santa Cruz.But she was locked in to Howard.And I know, early on, she decided to be an attorney, I think because Uncle Sherman was as well.So he may have influenced that.But she wanted to go to a historically Black college and university.And she wanted to go to Howard.That was it.
Do you know why that was so important to her?
Well, being that it is a historically Black college, I believe she wanted that kind of teaching, that kind of nurturing, you know, that kind of environment.She loves being an Alpha Kappa Alpha.So the Greek community, it's very, very strong at the HBCUs.Some of her closest and lifelong friends she met while at Howard.And the teaching.You know, that was the perfect place for her.And somehow, she knew that.
Harris’ Public and Private Persona
You've known her all of this time.And sometimes, what some of her friends will say is, you know, “You should see her in private.And she's funny and profane and a little bit of a different person than she is as a politician.” Do you think that's true?
Not to me.The person I see speaking at the podium, and out with the people, and connecting to children, and the youth, and when she is grilling someone from the Senate floor, and things like that, that's the Kamala that I've always known.To me, she's the same person.When I see her, we are the same people.We hug.We embrace.The love is there.She's always had a special light about her.And that light is just as strong now as it has always been.So to me, she's the same person.She's my friend Kamala Harris.
I mean people also describe her as somebody who always wants to be fully briefed, who works to be ultra prepared for whatever she's coming up against.Is that something you knew from early on, or something she picks up along the way, if you've seen that?
Well, if I go back to elementary school, and if I think back to Shyamala, you know, she was very big on education, and doing their homework, being prepared.So I think just those basic principles of studying, working hard, being prepared, carry throughout her school years, certainly college.And as she moved up through her career, she's the kind of person that wants to be accurate.She wants to be well-informed.And she wants to know all the ins and outs.Because only if you know all the ins and outs, and what's going on, what is the root cause, can you really impact change and to come up with creative solutions.So yes, she's very, very prepared.And I have heard, I think it was [Sen.] Cory Booker said, not too long ago just how prepared she gets for anything.
Harris’ Decision to Be a Prosecutor
She said that she had to convince her mom about becoming a prosecutor.Why do you think that she chose that route, to be on the inside?
Right.Well, I know what I have learned from being in the telecommunications field for so long, you really have to be on the inside to understand processes, policies, how things are done, in order to be able to fix things, or to provide solutions.And she cares about people.So she wants to protect people.And she believes in civil justice.So I think from her point of view, and certainly as I look at it, she chose that route in order to directly impact change from the inside out.
And from your own parallel experience, or from hers if you know it, how hard would it be for her to walk into something like the DA's office as an entry level attorney, as a Black woman, in a not only probably a majority white agency, but law enforcement is traditionally male.What would it be like for her to walk into an office like that, and to make that her career?
Yeah.I can imagine, it was not easy.I'm sure that she had challenges every day, opposition every day.But the one thing I do know is that you don't fall to the top.You have to climb to the top.And you have to be good at what you are doing.And what I have seen throughout her career progression, each appointment, she is respected.She's well liked.She has high integrity.She does what she says she's going to do.And you know, there are three qualities that I always think about, when I think about Kamala.One is integrity, truth, and service, service to others.
One of the other things people say about her, that is different from the man she's running against, is she takes a slight, and it doesn't become a battle for every slight, every disrespect.And she must have faced a lot of those.Where does that come from?Is that part of who she is?
I think that comes from her mother, for sure, being confident in who you are, what you stand for, being strong in your values.And also, it goes back to that exposure, really understanding where other people are coming from, and why they think and say what they do.And so keeping all of that in mind, being able to consider all of that, I think, keeps her perspective and her focus on the mission at hand, on getting the work done, getting the important work done that I know that she has been working on her entire career, which is protecting, serving the people.Kamala for the People.
Harris Becomes San Francisco District Attorney
Did you have a sense that she was on, you know, the rise, even before she runs for District Attorney, that she had a trajectory that might be through electoral politics?
I think it was when she gave her campaign speech to become District Attorney.I was in San Francisco that night.And it was then that I realized she is going places.I was so proud of her.I saw a totally different—I mean not a different person, because she's still Kamala.She's still the person I've always known.But I could see her presence.She was impacting others.People were listening.They were engaged.Yeah, so I would say, when she became District Attorney, that's when I knew that she was, you know, that this was something special.She was special.
Did you see her during that race, campaigning?What was she like?Was it an uphill battle?
I'm sure it was.But she makes things look easier than I'm sure they were.I would go to support her at her rallies, and election nights, things of that sort.But throughout our careers and adult life, we always made time to get together, to go to dinner.It may have been maybe once a quarter, once every couple of months, or whatnot.And we rarely talked shop.I mean I was into telecommunications.And she was into politics and so on.So, whenever we would get together, she was concerned about, how am I doing personally?How are my kids?How is my mom?So we really talk as girlfriends.You know, she didn't share a lot of struggles with her career.
What does it mean when she wins?I mean she's the first of so many things, in so many elections.But when she wins that DA race, what do you think that means to you, and to San Francisco, and to her?
It was huge.And every stepping stone, every appointment has been significant, has been a first.And it is wonderful for women, for younger girls, girls of color, to be able to see someone in these roles, and to know that, "Hey, if she can do it, I can do it too."So I think in terms of a role model, she's setting such a wonderful example.And it means so much.
It must be hard to walk into that.I mean, we talked about her walking in as the entry level prosecutor before.And here she is, walking in.And I've heard stories of her showing the line of her predecessors’ photographs.And there she is, sort of breaking that line.I mean, what does she face when she walks into a job like that, and she's the first person who looks different than her predecessors?
Yeah.I would imagine she brings her diverse background, her perspective, some fresh ideas, her style of leadership, which she's very personable.She is approachable.She's down to earth.And she's fun.You know, she is a fun person to be around.I think that she brings all of that.And she is a strategic thinker.She's a thought leader.I think that she brings all of that to the table, and to her leadership style.
I mean, there must be some resistance, too, to walk into a job like that, and to be the boss, and to have to take charge.
Oh, sure.Sure.I mean, I know that for myself, I managed teams most of my career.And when you're coming in, being a female, or being a woman of color, and your predecessor may have been a totally different situation, there is an adjustment for sure.People are watching your every move.And you know, you have to be almost perfect, and on point, at all times, you know.So there is that pressure.
But, at the same time, you bring forth your authenticity.And I know Kamala does that as well.She brings forth her authentic self, to every assignment, every meeting or organization.That is what she does.And she has a lot of experience.She has over 35 years of experience in this field.So she knows what she's doing.She knows how to quickly organize, and get important work done, and get people onboard.
Harris’ National Rise
… When she runs for President the first time, she describes “Kamala Harris for the People.” I mean do you think that that shapes who she is as a politician, that she comes from that background, as a lawyer, as a prosecutor?
I think that she can bridge both sides of that.So understanding law and order, absolutely.Understanding policies and government, and the system, and what goes on behind the scenes, but then also understanding and listening to the people, and wanting to protect the people, and listening to their interests, and their concerns.
And, you know, one of the things that Kamala has done very, very well, is to get underneath some of these rooted issues.So, as an example, early in her career, I want to say this is probably in the late '90s/early 2000s, she, as a prosecutor, she wanted to understand what was causing kids that were getting in trouble.And she kind of peeled back the onion, and determined that a lot of it stemmed from truancy.And so there, she wanted to understand, well why are all these kids missing school?And come to find, behind that was childcare.So their parents needed to go to work.And so the oldest child, you know, would have to stay home with the younger children.
So then, she was able to come up with programs to assist single women, and single men, in order to ensure that children were able to go to school, to kind of keep them on the right track.So that's an example of where I think she bridges both, in order to do what is best for the people.
Were you there, when she runs for Senate, are you there on election night?
Yes I was.
Can you tell me about that?Because that's also the night that Donald Trump wins, that Hillary Clinton loses.And she wins.Can you tell me about that moment?
Oh wow.Yeah.That was a very spirited night, for sure.The evening started, we were in Los Angeles, downtown Los Angeles.And Kamala had hosted a family dinner before the election night.And so, just her close friends and family.But in the room where we were eating, there were the TV monitors up.So we can also see the presidential votes coming in.And we were watching that, but we're celebrating her.We're watching that.So she won.We were all just so excited, elated, proud of her.It was very, very emotional.And then, minutes later, we found out that he had won as well.
And I remember driving home from Los Angeles to Arcadia.And I could not believe it.Like I couldn't believe it, you know.So it was just a flurry of emotions from being very elated, very excited, to like, wow, did this really happen?
I mean, that's the Washington that Kamala Harris arrives into, is Donald Trump's Washington.And it seems like it must have changed who she was going to be as a senator, and a lot of things that election night.
Well, if anything, I think she became even more determined and more focused on taking action, in order to bring leadership, integrity, and direction, and protection to the American people.And that was, I think, the catalyst, one of the main reasons why she ran for president, is because she wanted to get involved, and to bring that kind of integrity and that kind of leadership.
And we see those moments of her grilling a Trump administration official, or Brett Kavanaugh, what would you think, as you would see her there?
That's the Kamala Harris I've always known.She speaks her mind.She's sharp.She knows the facts.And she's not afraid to stand up to a bully, or stand up for what isn't right.That is her.That's who she's always been.
Were you surprised at the attention that she provoked on the right wing, and on Fox News, and on right-wing social media?… Did that surprise you, that she became a central target of the right wing?
No, no, it doesn't surprise me at all.And I know that she is, you know, she remains very focused on—on—on truth, and integrity, and you know, fighting for the people.But no, it really does not, you know, surprise me.I don't like, you know, hearing things like that.I don't like mean-spirited stuff like that at all.But yeah.It doesn't surprise me.That seems to be the tone of things these recent years.
And do you think she was more of a target because of who she was, as a Black woman?
Oh, without a doubt, without a doubt, absolutely.Being a female, being a woman of color.A lot of the criticism that has been put out there, I have never heard that spoken about a man in the same roles at all.So absolutely, I think that she has been personally attacked just because she's a female, and a woman of color, for sure.
And the way she responds to it?I mean we've talked about this a little bit already.But from her life, from the Kamala Harris that you know, how does she respond to that type of thing?
Yeah, two ways.You know, she's not going to back down from someone who is being mean, and saying things like that.And at the same time, she does not let that kind of talk distract her.She stays focused.
Harris’ 2019 Run for President
Are you there when she announces that she's going to run for president, in Oakland?
No, I was not.I was in Southern California.Yes.But I came up, because I co-hosted a fundraiser for her.But I was not in Oakland at that particular time.I wanted to be, and I can't remember what I was doing that I could not be there.
The moment from that campaign that stood out for a lot of people was that confrontation with Joe Biden over busing, and saying, “That little girl was me.” And when you were watching that, what did you see?Why do you think that that stood out?And did that remind you of the Kamala Harris you knew growing up?
Absolutely, yes.I mean, it took me immediately back to when she was going to Thousand Oaks, and I was at St.Joseph's, we would meet at the Sheltons' house after school.So she was on the bus.I would walk down with some of my friends from my school.Or maybe, at that time, I think my dad was picking me up and dropping me off at the Sheltons' house.But any event, it just brought me back to being little girls, younger girls, and seeing she and Carole [Porter] getting on and off the bus.And yeah.So I could see her being Kamala as a little girl, going all the way back to that time.
Since you're not a political analyst, I won't ask you why that campaign didn't play out for her.But what was it like at the end?And what was her response when she had to end that campaign before getting to the caucuses?
I know that it was a huge disappointment, because she's not a quitter.She's a fighter.But she's also a realist.And there were just some factors going on, where it just made more sense just to pull out at that time.But that may have been the only race, of any kind, that I know of, that she did not finish, and did not win, of any kind.
Harris as Vice President
She does become the vice president on that ticket with Joe Biden, you know, the man she confronted in that debate.How did you get news that she was going to be on the ticket for vice president?
I don't remember if I received a call directly, or if I heard about it on TV, when it was announced, or if it was kind of simultaneous.Because I know some of my friends, we were texting a lot.There was a lot of excitement, a lot of anticipation.And she still had her personal cell phone.And I know that we would text almost every day during that time period.But I remember the minute it was announced, my phone went crazy.People that I hadn't heard from and talked to, the media, everything, it was just so exciting.And I thought he selected the right person, the perfect person, because of her background, because of everything that Kamala Harris brings to the table.I thought she was just an exceptional choice.
You've seen that video of her calling Joe Biden when they won the election.Just take me to that moment of her winning, and also the fact that it's not the presidency, but it's yet another office where she's breaking barriers.
Absolutely.Yes.That was moving.I think you're talking about the time when she called President Biden, when she was walking in the park that particular day.That was a good example of how down-to-earth she is, you know, she puts her heart and soul into things.And she cares so much about President Biden.That was a very moving, very touching moment.
A lot of people say, after the Dobbs decision, that she sort of really found her voice as the vice president.Did you see the Kamala Harris that you had known becoming more of a voice inside the administration?
Absolutely.And has basically picked up where she did such good work earlier in her career, you know, protecting women and women's rights; she's very, very passionate about human rights, and for women, to have a say on what happens to their bodies.So yeah, she became very, very spirited, very, very passionate about protecting women yet again.
Harris as the 2024 Nominee
She has said that democracy is on the line in this election, in her being able to win, if that's what's at stake.That's pretty high pressure, even more high pressure than what we've talked about, walking into the DA's Office.How does the woman you know deal with a moment like that, with stakes like that?
I think she deals with it by taking things one day at a time.She's very thoughtful, in terms of strategy, and the very next step, and the very next step after that.So I think that she's going to run this race, this campaign, the way that she's run her others, with the kind of vigor, the kind of truth, and passion, that she's run her previous races.She's going to get out there with the people.She will work tirelessly, getting engaged, and sharing with the people, talking directly to them, as to why this is so important, why this election is so important, to all of us, no matter which side you're on, this is important to all Americans
As you know, there are people who say America is not ready.America wasn't ready for a woman with Hillary Clinton, and they're not ready for a woman of color.But she obviously doesn't believe that.What is it about Kamala Harris that she believes America is ready, she believes she can win this election?
Sure.I think, number one, she's the total package—the skills, and the experience, and the background that she brings to it.She connects very, very well with the younger generation, who I think we've heard that many were kind of disenchanted by politics and government.So I think that she'll be able to reignite, and re-engage younger people, which is so critical.
And I think that she's able to, very well, articulate a solid plan for the future, with details, specifics, on what she will do.And I just think that she brings a fresh approach, and style, and her unique ability to connect, and to unite, and get people excited.So I think that the people, despite all of this, are ready.
I mean, and I guess some of it has to be that confidence that her mom instilled in her, from the beginning, as, “Don't let people tell you what you can do.”
Absolutely.And faith, you know.Being very firm and solid in your faith and belief in the people.She has a lot of faith in the goodness, and she has a lot of faith in the people.She always has.
[Question from producer Vanessa Fica] Kamala's mother made sure that she would be raised as a Black woman as well.That was very important.Why was that important for Shyamala?And how did you see that play out?
Well, you know, Kamala is very clear that she is Indian and Black.But I think it was very important for Shyamala to make sure the girls grew up and knew about their Black heritage, because they would be viewed as Black girls.And Shyamala was very multifaceted.So she had friends of all nationalities, Black, white, Jewish, you name it, as did my parents.So just understanding what it means to be Black in this country.And it's something that we were taught about, Black leaders, and scientists, and—and—and so on, ever since we were little.That's what we were taught at the Shelton School as well.So we had a really deep understanding and teaching and appreciation for our, you know, Black community, and the Black culture.
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