All About The Life Of An Indian American Scientist And Activist

Shyamala Gopalan Harris: Pioneer and Mother of Vice President Kamala Harris

All about the Life of an Indian-American Scientist and Activist

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Breaking News: Shyamala Gopalan Harris, the mother of Vice President Kamala Harris, was an Indian-American scientist, civil rights activist, and pioneering woman of color. She dedicated her life to advancing research and advocating for social justice.

Early Life and Education

Born Shyamala Gopalan in Chennai, India, Harris earned a PhD in nutrition and endocrinology from the University of California, Berkeley. She became a naturalized American citizen in 1960.

Scientific Career

Harris held faculty positions at Howard University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research focused on breast cancer, diabetes, and the effects of poverty on health outcomes.

Civil Rights Advocacy

Harris was deeply involved in the civil rights movement. She worked with the NAACP and the Congress of Racial Equality, advocating for desegregation and equal rights.

Personal Life

Harris married Donald J. Harris, an economist from Jamaica. Together, they raised their two daughters, Kamala and Maya. Harris passed away from cancer in 2009.

Legacy

Shyamala Gopalan Harris's legacy lives on through the achievements of her daughter, Kamala Harris, and her own groundbreaking work in science and social justice. As an inspiration to women of color and all who strive for a more just world, her story continues to resonate with countless people.