Maya Harris dubbed ‘first sister’ after delivering powerful and personal tribute to Kamala at DNC

Maya Harris' words struck a chord with many, shedding light on the values instilled in them by their late mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris
PUBLISHED AUG 23, 2024
Maya Harris has been a key figure in both Kamala Harris's personal life and her political career (Getty Images)
Maya Harris has been a key figure in both Kamala Harris's personal life and her political career (Getty Images)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: In a moment that resonated with viewers across the nation, Maya Harris, the younger sister of Vice President Kamala Harris, delivered an emotional and powerful speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on August 22 in Chicago.

As the final speaker on the last day of the convention, Maya's words struck a chord with many, shedding light on the values instilled in them by their late mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, as per NPR.



 

Maya Harris delivers powerful speech during Democratic National Convention

Maya Harris began her speech by reflecting on the profound influence their mother had on both sisters, emphasizing how proud Shyamala would have been to see Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee.

"She raised us to believe that we could be and do anything, and we believed her. You see, Mommy understood the power and the possibility that come with knowing and showing who you truly are," Maya said, her voice filled with emotion.

She continued, "She knew that we could be the authors of our own story."

Maya highlighted how her sister has always been about "fighting for each of us to have that freedom. And like so many Americans, Kamala knows what it’s like to be underestimated and counted out."

Maya has not only been a crucial part of Kamala's personal life but has also played a significant role in her political career.

As the campaign chairperson during Kamala's first presidential run in 2020, Maya showcased her sharp intellect and strategic acumen, much like she did during her time as a senior policy adviser for Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 14: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at the start of a round
Kamala Harris has often spoken highly of her sister’s capabilities (Getty Images)

Kamala has frequently praised her sister’s abilities. In 2019, she told Politico, "I think most people who know Maya will tell you she’s one of the smartest people they know."

Maya's accomplishments extend beyond her political work.

A Stanford Law School graduate, Maya has also served as the vice president of democracy, rights, and justice at the Ford Foundation, a philanthropic organization renowned for its commitment to social justice.

After their parents' separation, Kamala and Maya were raised by their mother, a pioneering cancer researcher and civil rights activist. The family relocated to Montreal when Shyamala accepted a position at McGill University.

It was during these formative years that Kamala and Maya forged an unbreakable bond, navigating the challenges of a new environment together.

Kamala shared with The Washington Post, "We leaned on each other. We forged a bond that is unbreakable. When I think about it, all of the joyous moments in our lives, all of the challenging moments, all of the moments of transition, we have always been together."

Maya Harris, sister of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her party's presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Maya Harris delivered a powerful speech during the Democratic National Convention (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Maya Harris receives widespread praise online following her powerful DNC address

After her powerful address at the DNC, Maya Harris' heartfelt speech sparked a wave of positive reactions across the internet.

One X user commented, "So I just fell in love with Maya Harris and I'm ready to call her the First Sister." Another remarked, "@KamalaHarris’s sister, @mayaharris_, is poised, intelligent, eloquent, and forceful. Must be the genetics."



 



 

"Maya Harris is everything Lmao she love her big sister period!" wrote a third user. Another added, "maya harris the baddest first sister." [sic]



 



 

"Maya HARRIS IS the Sister you WANT. LOVED HER Speech !!," wrote one user.



 

Another user wrote, "Maya Harris will still throw a closed fist and remove her Chanel earrings for her sister with ZERO HESITATION. The sister girl vibes were strong on that DNC stage." One user pointed out, "Maya Harris has strong Solange energy and I love it."



 



 

Another user stated, "Sister love on full display. Maya Harris paid homage to her mother, and gave a ringing endorsement for her sister ⁦@KamalaHarris⁩. I half expected Maya Harris to quote Beyonce: 'Might I suggest you don’t f**k with my sis?!"



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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