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Summary
Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie held a public conversation at the London Literature Festival on October 23, 2025. They discussed leadership, democracy, and the challenges of breaking barriers.
Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and former United States Vice President Kamala Harris shared a conversation about resilience, leadership, and the challenges of breaking barriers during a public event held on October 23, 2025, at the London Literature Festival.
The discussion is part of Kamala’s international book tour for her memoir, 107 Days, which explores themes of democracy, courage, and the personal cost of leadership.
During the exchange, Kamala addressed debates surrounding the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign, emphasising her decision to contest after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.
Responding to questions about the need for a primary election, Kamala said, “Did any of the people who wanted a primary actually say how this would have happened? I said, Anybody who wants to run, jump on in. But I’m running.”
Kamala Harris criticised the rising global admiration for authoritarian leaders, warning that many now equate national strength with a leader’s brutality.
Also responding to questions about personal growth and resilience, the presidential aspirant said that breaking barriers often comes with pain and sacrifice, noting that progress requires courage and endurance.
“Here’s the thing about breaking barriers. You start on one side of the barrier and end up on the other side. But there’s breaking involved. And when you break things, you get cut and you may bleed. And it is worth it every single time.”
