Kamala Harris’ great-nieces gave a fun pronunciation lesson at the DNC to set the record straight on how to say the vice president’s name.
During the Democratic National Convention, actress Kerry Washington introduced a special segment that aimed to clarify a recurring issue: the proper pronunciation of Vice President Kamala Harris’ name. Washington acknowledged that while confusion about the pronunciation might be understandable, intentional disrespect is not. To ensure everyone gets it right, Harris’ great-nieces, Amara and Leela, took the stage alongside Washington to give a memorable and easy-to-follow lesson.
Amara, the older of the two girls, confidently began, “First you say ‘Kama,’ like a comma in a sentence.” Then, her younger sister Leela chimed in with enthusiasm, “Then you say ‘La,’ like ‘la-la-la-la-la.’”
Together, they and Washington put it all together, with the actress leading the audience to say the name correctly: “Kamala!”
The importance of correctly pronouncing Kamala Harris’ name has been highlighted on numerous occasions, particularly because former President Donald Trump has frequently mispronounced it during his rallies. At one event in July, he even remarked, “I couldn’t care less if I mispronounce it. I couldn’t care less.” This dismissive attitude sparked further discussion about the significance of respecting individuals’ names, especially when they hold positions of authority.
Beyond the pronunciation lesson, the DNC event also featured heartfelt messages from Harris’ niece, goddaughter, and stepdaughter, who shared personal stories about the influence she has had on their lives. Meena Harris, the vice president’s niece, reflected on growing up surrounded by strong women like her aunt. She emphasized how Kamala has been a guiding force not only in her own life but also for her children. “She’s guiding me. Now, she’s guiding my own children, and I know she’ll guide our country forward,” Meena said.
Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, who became a public figure during the 2020 election, shared her own experiences of how Harris helped her navigate her teenage years. “Like a lot of young people, I didn’t always understand what I was feeling,” Emhoff said. “But no matter what, Kamala was there for me. She’s never stopped listening to me, and she’s not going to stop listening to all of us.”
Helena Hudlin, Harris’ goddaughter, also spoke about the vice president’s impact on her life, particularly in finding hope and pursuing her passions. “To me, her advice means everything. Whether it is pursuing my passions, making an impact, or finding hope when the world doesn’t feel so hopeful,” Hudlin shared. She went on to praise Harris’ dedication to making a difference, noting that her godmother has always taught her that true change requires both heart and action.
The speeches from Harris’ family members underscored their deep admiration and respect for her, not just as a politician but as a mentor and a role model. They spoke of her commitment to fighting for issues such as economic opportunity, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, and reproductive freedom. Meena Harris summed up their sentiments by stating, “Because we are not going back.”
This DNC appearance by Kamala Harris’ family served as a powerful reminder of the personal side of the vice president, showcasing the strong relationships she has cultivated and the positive influence she continues to have on those around her. The lighthearted yet important pronunciation lesson also reinforced the importance of respecting individuals’ identities, a message that resonated with the audience and viewers alike.
The segment not only provided a fun and educational moment but also highlighted the warmth and strength that Kamala Harris brings to both her personal and professional life. It served as a touching tribute from her family, reinforcing the pride they feel in her accomplishments and the hope they have for her continued leadership.
