Kamala Harris takes oath as Vice President: Know the dynamic second family

Kamala Harris was sworn in as the 49th Vice President of the United States on Wednesday. The inauguration of the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president marked a hopeful turning point in the long fight for racial representation and justice. With Harris taking the vice president office, a dynamic second family has been introduced to the nation – the Harris-Emhoff family.

Parents – Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J Harris

Kamala Harris on several occasions has talked about her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, who died in 2009. Gopalan, a leading scientist in cancer research, was an Indian immigrant. Harris’ father, Donald J. Harris, was a Jamaican immigrant. Speaking about her mother, Harris at the 2020 Democratic National Convention said, “My mother instilled in my sister, Maya, and me the values that would chart the course of our lives. She raised us to be proud, strong Black women. And she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage. She taught us to put family first—the family you’re born into and the family you choose.”

While Harris is very vocal about her Indian and Jamaican roots, it’s not often that she speaks out about her father.

Doug Emhoff, Husband

Doug Emhoff, often called the nation’s first-ever second gentleman, exchanged vows with Harris at a Santa Barbara, Calif. courthouse, three years before Kamala was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2017. As her career evolved, Doug’s support for Kamala remained constant—something that is likely to continue as she takes the office. The couple have been married for six years.

Maya Harris, Sister

Kamala Harris is seemingly closest to her sister Maya, who served as campaign chairwoman for her sister’s year-long presidential run. Maya was a senior advisor in Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. She also held senior positions at the American Civil Liberties Union and Ford Foundation. She may or may not take on an official role in the Biden-Harris administration but she is likely to be in Kamala’s circle of confidantes.

Meena Harris, Niece

Kamala Harris’s niece, Meena a Harvard-educated lawyer-turned-entrepreneur is the founder and CEO of Phenomenal, a female-focused clothing line worn by the likes of Lizzo, Serena Williams and Tracee Ellis Ross. She’s also a best-selling children’s author.

Ella Emhoff, Step-daughter

Kamala’s step-daughter Ella, who fondly calls Harris Momala, is the new Second Daughter.

The 21-year-old Parsons School of Design student has become something of a hero to slow fashion aficionados, sharing her handmade knitwear pieces on Instagram. Harris and Ella reportedly share a great bond.

Cole Emhoff

Kamala Harris was “love at first sight” for her 26-year-old step-son Cole, who was a senior in high school when Kamala entered the Emhoff family. Kamala shares a string bond with her step-children and she’s been present for every major milestone since.

Amala and Leela Ajagu

Kamala’s great-nieces. Amala, 4, and Leela Ajagu, 2, are the daughters of her niece Meena and her husband, Nikolas Ajagu. The two girls are totally in love with their “Vice President Auntie”.

­Kamala also shares a great friendship with film producer Kerstin Emhoff, the ex-wife of her husband Doug. In an interview with People, Kamala called her a “close friend,” explaining, “Joe and I have a similar feeling that really is how we approach leadership: family in every version that it comes.”