Kamala Harris, the first Black woman and first South Asian woman to be nominated by a major political party, has drawn admirers and critics alike during her rapid presidential campaign before the 2024 general election. Recent publications, including the photographic biography Kamala: The Historic, Joyful and Auspicious Sprint to the White House, released on December 17, vividly capture the essence of her campaign, blending textual essays with powerful imagery.
Co-authored by renowned photo historian and photographer Shanti A. Willis alongside journalist and author Kwame Anthony Appiah, this book aims to highlight the moments of joy Harris brought to her supporters during the campaign. "There’s an intimacy in this book... the way she touched her heart when she said, ‘thank you,’” Willis reflected. “There are moments in this book... representing joy in a way we rarely see in a campaign.” Her sentiments echo the emotional connection Harris established, akin to their earlier work on Barack Obama's campaign, which also achieved commercial success.
While the market may not be as receptive to Harris’s narrative following her loss to Donald Trump, Willis remains optimistic. “A book about running a historic campaign has its own worthiness ... Her story was already worth telling,” she stated. The legacy of Harris is no less significant: as the first female Vice President, her campaign drew attention not only to her policies but to her historic role within American politics.
The book is characterized by its urgency. With Harris’s campaign lasting only 107 days post the Democratic Party's shift following Joe Biden's departure from presidential aspirations, the authors faced tight deadlines. They hoped to have the book released before the end of the year to commemorate not just Harris's run but the diverse coalition of supporters she built during her brief presidential attempt.
Willis and Merida were joined by various photographers representing diverse backgrounds throughout their project, which captured over 200 significant moments from Harris's life, both personal and professional. “They were offering different stories... which were exciting about the concept of this new, imagined experience for all of us,” said Willis.
Despite the whirlwind of the campaign, Harris's visibility has dwindled since her concession speech delivered at Howard University, urging supporters not to lose hope: “Never give up the fight for our democracy.” The new book is poised to reshape the narrative around her candidacy and reignite conversations among her supporters, many of whom have become quieter since the election.
Merida hopes the book acts as “a stimulant for conversation, because it’s not static.” This perspective is mirrored by her commitment to highlighting Harris’s struggle to secure her place within the fabric of American leadership, transcending the eventual electoral outcome. “This book is about finding ways to tell her story in these unique and visually compelling ways,” he described.
The future of Harris’s political career remains uncertain, particularly following this unprecedented electoral battle. Nonetheless, the book stands as testimony to her impact and the historic nature of her campaign. “Her career is certainly not over,” Willis concluded, indicating their belief in the resilience of Harris’s narrative and the cultural significance of her candidacy.
Harris has been sent copies of the new biography, but as of yet, she has not commented publicly on its content. Nevertheless, the hope remains strong among her supporters and the authors alike, advocating for continued engagement and discourse around her legacy as they navigate the future of American politics.
