No, Kamala Harris Did Not Lock Up Thousands of Black Men for Marijuana Possession and Other Lies Debunked

With just weeks until Election Day, as Vice President Kamala Harris runs for president, misinformation has ramped up, targeting her more than ever. Throughout her time in the public eye, Harris has been subjected to a barrage of false claims designed to question her credibility and character, many of which are driven by racism and sexism. These misleading narratives are often pushed by her political opponents to erode trust, particularly among voters of color. 

In this article, we'll debunk some of the most persistent myths surrounding Harris, illustrating the dangerous impact of disinformation, especially at such a critical moment in her campaign.

One of the most persistent claims about Kamala Harris is the false narrative that, while serving as San Francisco District Attorney, she incarcerated thousands of Black men for marijuana possession. This accusation has been heavily promoted by Donald Trump, who once alleged that Harris put "thousands and thousands" of people behind bars for cannabis-related offenses. However, this portrayal distorts the truth.

Critics often cite a figure of over 1,500 marijuana convictions under her leadership. According to The Mercury News, an investigative report revealed that from 2004 to 2010, Harris' office oversaw 1,956 marijuana convictions, both misdemeanors and felonies. Despite this, only 45 individuals were ultimately sentenced to state prison, with no information available about their racial identity.

While it's uncertain how many people may have served in county jail, Harris’ administration aimed to avoid jail time for those convicted of simple possession. In 2019, Paul Henderson, who led narcotics prosecutions under Harris, made it clear: "Our policy was that no one with a marijuana conviction for mere possession could do any [jail time] at all.”

Reecie Colbert, a SiriusXM host, told BET.com: "The false notion that VP locked up so many Black men relies on the racist notion of Black criminality and the stereotype of men as shiftless pot-smokers. This disinformation isn't just an example of people believing the worst of VP, it's also believing the worst of Black men."

In an Oct.15 town hall with Charlamagne, Harris pushed back against the accusations, dismissing them as "simply not true." She emphasized her role as "the most progressive prosecutor in California on marijuana cases" and clarified that she never incarcerated individuals for simple marijuana possession. Harris also pledged that, as president, she would prioritize decriminalizing marijuana nationwide. 

Another common myth is that Kamala Harris isn't Black or “turned” Black. This misconception seems to arise from a misunderstanding of race, ethnicity, and nationality. Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California, and her nationality is American. Her racial background is Black and South Asian. Harris’ father is of Jamaican descent, and her mother is of Indian descent. Throughout her life, the Howard University graduate has identified as a Black woman and has always embraced her diverse lineage. According to Colbert, Kamala Harris' racial identity is the primary target of attacks against her. 

In her 2019 autobiography, The Truths We Hold: An American Journey, Harris wrote, “My mother understood very well that she was raising two Black daughters. She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as Black girls and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud Black women."

Harris is part of a larger narrative of Black people with diverse lineages, similar to Naomi Osaka, Angela Yee, and H.E.R., who all embrace their multifaceted backgrounds.

One of the more bizarre and baseless conspiracy theories is the claim that Kamala Harris isn’t an American citizen. This lie is not only false but rooted in the same racist "birther" conspiracy theory once wielded against President Obama.

Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, as confirmed by her birth certificate, obtained by the Associated Press. This makes her a natural-born U.S. citizen, even though her parents were immigrants. Harris' mother emigrated from India, and her father from Jamaica. Like millions of Americans, Harris is the daughter of immigrants, but she is undeniably an American-born citizen.

Despite what Janet Jackson believes, Kamala Harris’s father is not white. Her father, Donald J. Harris, is a Black Jamaican immigrant who came to the United States in the 1960s to study economics at the University of California, Berkeley.

Donald J. Harris went on to have a distinguished academic career, becoming the first Black scholar to be granted tenure in Stanford University's Economics Department. He retired in the late 1990s as a professor emeritus but remains influential in his field. 

Lastly, critics use a common talking point: Kamala Harris is not qualified to serve as vice president. This assertion is not only false, but it also ignores her extensive and impressive career. Harris has served as District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and U.S. Senator before becoming Vice President. With over two decades of experience in government and law, she is among the most qualified individuals ever to run for president.

Kamala Harris has more experience in public office than Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance combined. Trump had no prior political or governmental experience before becoming President, while Vance, despite his prominence as an author, is only a first-term U.S. Senator. The idea that she is "unqualified" is a clear example of the double standards often applied to women of color in leadership positions, especially when compared to less experienced male counterparts.

Harris’ qualifications are not just adequate—they are extraordinary and well above the threshold traditionally expected for the role of President of the United States.

In an age of rampant disinformation, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction when discussing VP Harris. These myths seek to discredit her achievements and reflect deeper societal prejudices. By confronting these falsehoods head-on, we can ensure that truth prevails in political discourse.