Kamala Harris' Jamaican Roots Shine as Brown's Town Celebrates History-Making Nomination

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ICARO Media Group
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17/08/2024 18h14

In a small town in rural Jamaica, the anticipation is palpable. Residents of Brown's Town are gearing up to witness their native daughter, Kamala Harris, make history once again. Four years after rejoicing over her inauguration as Vice President of the United States, they eagerly await her acceptance of the Democratic presidential nomination, as she becomes the first Black woman, the first Jamaican American, and the first Asian American to become a major party's White House standard-bearer.

For Sherman Harris, Kamala's cousin, the emotions are overwhelming. As he recalls the joyous screams and tears that filled his hilltop home during her oath-taking ceremony, he admits that even now, discussing the upcoming event brings tears of joy to his eyes. Once more, family and friends will gather around the widescreen television to witness Kamala's milestone moment.

However, as the spotlight intensifies on Harris' Caribbean roots, many Americans are still getting acquainted with her background. Born to an Indian-born mother, Shyamala Gopalan, and a Jamaican-born father, Donald Harris, Kamala's multicultural heritage is an integral part of her identity. Yet, her Republican rival, Donald Trump, has sought to question her Black identity, falsely claiming that she only recently embraced her Blackness for political gain.

Kamala Harris proudly embraces her Jamaican roots and the connection to Brown's Town, a vibrant market town in St. Ann Parish. It is a place she visited during her childhood and often acknowledges as a part of her history. She has fond memories of the town, and during a visit to the White House, she expressed her awareness of sharing that history with millions of Americans.

The people of Brown's Town have rallied behind their hometown hero, recognizing the significance of her humble beginnings. Michael Belnavis, the mayor of St. Ann Parish, plans to honor Harris should she emerge victorious in November. He acknowledges the importance of celebrating individuals who rise from humble backgrounds and achieve great success, stating that coming from Brown's Town is truly as humble as it gets.

The town's namesake, Hamilton Brown, was a slave owner from Ireland who settled in Jamaica. According to family lore, he is believed to be an ancestor of Kamala Harris' great-grandmother, Christiana Brown, who descended from enslaved Jamaicans. Christiana Brown, affectionately called "Miss Chrishy," played a pivotal role in raising her grandson, Donald Harris, who later went on to become an economist.

Even though Miss Chrishy passed away in 1951, her legacy lives on through her descendants. Donald Harris has credited her with igniting his interest in economics and politics, observing her daily routines as she operated her dry goods store in Brown's Town. Her values of education and excellence have permeated the family, inspiring her great-granddaughter, Latoya Harris-Ghartey, to become the executive director of Jamaica's National Education Trust.

The family's connection to Brown's Town is deep-rooted, with Kamala's great-grandfather raising cattle and growing allspice on a farm overlooking the town. Today, Sherman Harris, Kamala's first cousin, still works the Harris land and proudly owns a three-story commercial building in the heart of the town.

As Kamala and her sister Maya visited Jamaica during their childhood, their family immersed them in the rich history of Brown's Town. From traversing the bustling marketplace to exploring the pastures of Orange Hill, they learned about their ancestral heritage firsthand. The experience of passing on generational discoveries and rediscoveries left a lasting impression on Donald Harris, as he witnessed Kamala's adventurous spirit and curiosity unfold.

Amid the fervor of the upcoming election, Brown's Town stands proudly behind Kamala Harris, cherishing her triumphs as their own. Her journey from this small Jamaican town to the forefront of American politics embodies the power of perseverance and the enduring legacy of her ancestors.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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