The Voice of the Eagle: Kamala Harris and the Spirit of America

I chose the eagle because it resonates with Harris's courage and leadership. Just like the eagle surveys the vast horizon with sharp focus, Harris, too, has a vision for America—one that includes equity, justice, and hope for all. The subtle presence of the American Flag in the background anchors this piece, reminding us of her deep connection to the country she serves and the values she defends..

Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Kamala Devi Harris is the daughter of an Indian mother, Shyamala Gopalan, and a Jamaican father, Donald Harris. Her upbringing in a biracial household laid the foundation for her perspective on justice, inclusivity, and equity. Harris attended Howard University and earned her law degree from UC Hastings College of Law.

Her legal career began as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, where she developed a reputation for being tough on crime, but also fair and compassionate. In 2004, she became the District Attorney of San Francisco, where she introduced reforms that focused on education and prevention rather than punishment. Harris was elected as California’s Attorney General in 2010, becoming the first woman and first African-American to hold that office.

In 2016, Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate, where she advocated for criminal justice reform, healthcare reform, and immigration policies. Her fierce questioning during Senate hearings, especially of political figures, earned her national recognition. In 2020, Harris made history by becoming the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian American to be elected Vice President of the United States alongside President Joe Biden.

Throughout her career, Harris has been known for her advocacy for civil rights, criminal justice reform, and her work on issues like climate change, healthcare, and immigration.

The blue and red hues in the image represent the duality of her political life. Blue, the color of wisdom, trust, and loyalty, reflects Harris’s calm and thoughtful leadership style. Red, signifying strength, passion, and resilience, reflects the fierceness with which she tackles challenges, constantly striving for progress and fairness

Blue: This deep, reflective hue signifies wisdom, trust, and loyalty—qualities essential in a leader like Harris. The color blue in this artwork speaks to her capacity for measured decision-making and her unwavering dedication to justice. Red: Red represents courage, power, and passion. Harris’s career has been marked by her fearless approach to tackling difficult issues, and the red in this image reflects her determination to drive change and address systemic injustices.

As I created this piece, I wanted to capture both the grandeur and humility that define Kamala Harris’s journey. The eagle and flag symbolize the larger-than-life role she plays, but her posture and gaze remind us of her humanity. This image reflects my hope for a future where strength and compassion coexist in leadership, and where diverse voices like Harris’s can soar, just as the eagle does, above the challenges that face us.

This work is not just a portrait; it’s a tribute to the trailblazing spirit of Kamala Harris and the symbolism of freedom and hope that she embodies for millions.