Donald Harris: Kamala Harris' Father and Stanford Professor Emeritus

Early Life and Education

Jamaican Roots

Donald J. Harris was born in Brown's Town, Jamaica, on August 26, 1938. His father, Alexander Nathaniel Harris, was a supervisor for the United Fruit Company, and his mother, Pauline Felicia Harris (née Green), was a teacher and homemaker.

Stanford University

Donald Harris received his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of the West Indies, Mona in 1958. He then pursued graduate studies at Stanford University, where he earned his master's degree in 1961 and his doctorate in 1966.

Academic Career

Professor at Stanford University

Donald Harris joined the faculty of Stanford University's School of Humanities and Sciences in 1966. He served as a professor of economics for 44 years, retiring as Professor Emeritus in 2010.

Research and Publications

Harris's research focused on economic development, international trade, and the Caribbean economy. He is the author of several books, including "International Economics: Theory and Evidence" (1973, co-authored) and "Development Economics: Theory and Practice" (1987).

Personal Life

Marriage and Children

While studying at Stanford, Donald Harris met Shyamala Gopalan, a fellow graduate student from India. They married in 1963 and had two daughters: Kamala Devi Harris (born 1964) and Maya Lakshmi Harris (born 1967).

Inspiration for Kamala Harris

Donald Harris has been an influential figure in Kamala Harris's life and career. His academic pursuits and social activism inspired her to pursue a career in public service. He and his wife encouraged her to be independent and strive for excellence.

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