How do you pronounce Kamala's name? Her great-nieces gave the DNC a lesson

The NPR Network will be reporting live from Chicago throughout the week bringing you the latest on the Democratic National Convention.

Actress Kerry Washington introduced two of Kamala Harris’ great-nieces to set the record straight on how to pronounce their auntie’s name.

“Confusion is understandable,” Washington said on the oft-repeated mispronunciations of the vice president’s name. “Disrespect is not. So tonight, we are going to help everyone get it right.”

Harris’ nieces, Amara and Leela then joined Washington on stage.

“First you say ‘Kama,’ like a comma in a sentence,” Amara said.

“Then you say ‘La,’ like ‘la-la-la-la-la,’” little sister Leela pitched in, repeating the sound like a melody.

“Put it together,” Washington said, “And it’s Kamala!”

Former President Trump has repeatedly mispronounced Harris’ first name. At one rally in July, he said: “I couldn’t care less if I mispronounce it. I couldn’t care less.”

Harris' niece, goddaughter and stepdaughter share life lessons they learned from her

Harris' niece, Meena Harris, joined her stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, and her goddaughter, Helena Hudlin,on the DNC stage Thursday to share how the vice president has been a source of encouragement for them. And they vouched that she would serve the country with care and as an inspiring leader.

Meena, the daughter of Harris' sister, Maya, spoke about how she grew up in a household filled with strong women figures — “my mom, my grandma, and my auntie, who showed me the meaning of service, helping her sister, a 17-year-old single mother, fighting for justice for the American people, and still cooking Sunday dinner.”

“She’s guiding me. Now, she’s guiding my own children, and I know she’ll guide our country forward,” Meena said.

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