Kamala Harris's Jamaican Roots Resonate in Brown's Town Amid Presidential Campaign

 

Brown's Town, nestled in Jamaica's St Ann parish, holds a special place in the heart of Vice President Kamala Harris, who spent many childhood holidays there. This vibrant community, with its narrow roads bordered by lush greenery and charming concrete homes, reflects the warmth and tight-knit nature of rural Caribbean life.

As one navigates through the town, lively shops and a bustling local market come into view, reminiscent of the childhood visits Harris made with her parents. With a population of around 6,000, Brown's Town is named after Hamilton Brown, an Irish enslaver believed to be an ancestor of Harris’s paternal great-grandmother, Christiana Brown, affectionately called Miss Chrishy.

Just outside the market lies the Harris family estate in Orange Hill, where Harris's father, Donald Harris, was born in 1938. Although the estate now features a quarry and residences, it once served as a playground for young Kamala, who shared joyous memories with her first cousin, Sherman Harris. He recalls the spirited Christmas holidays spent there, where Kamala’s adventurous spirit often got her into playful mischief, much to the amusement of her family.

Sherman remembers Kamala as a curious child who asked insightful questions that reflected her intelligence. "When her peers couldn’t provide answers, she would turn to her father," he noted. Kamala has often spoken fondly of her upbringing, crediting her parents, Donald Harris and Shyamala Gopalan, with instilling a love for their Jamaican heritage. She recalls her father encouraging her adventurous spirit, contrasting her mother’s more cautious approach.

Despite a reported rift in their relationship following her parents' divorce, Sherman Harris firmly rejects claims of discord, asserting that Donald Harris fully supports his daughter’s ambitions. "People have all kinds of different views," he said, dismissing rumors about the strained relationship as “total rubbish.”

Kamala Harris’s deep connection to Jamaica remains evident. She has expressed pride in her heritage, sharing stories of her father's lessons on the history and culture of Jamaica. This connection has garnered support for her candidacy among many Jamaicans. Mayor Michael Belnavis of St Ann noted, "Coming from Brown's Town is as humble as it gets," recognizing Harris's achievements as an inspiration to many.

However, some individuals express skepticism about the tangible benefits her presidency could bring to Jamaica. While students and residents of Brown's Town are proud of Harris's achievements, others question whether her presidency will address issues such as access to U.S. visas for Jamaicans.

Marlon Hill, a Jamaican-American lawyer, emphasized the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of Harris's immigrant story. He believes that while Jamaicans should be proud of her, they must also hold her accountable for her commitment to issues affecting Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Not all Jamaican Americans align with the Democratic Party, as illustrated by Commonwealth Games gold medalist Claston Bernard, who opposed Harris's policies despite acknowledging her Jamaican roots.

As the November 5 elections approach, the community of Brown's Town eagerly anticipates the possibility of Kamala Harris making history as the first female president of the United States. Sherman Harris is optimistic, stating, “She is going to make history, and Jamaica’s name, its flag, is going to fly high once more!”