Olivia: What happens when the race is so tight, you're bracing for defeat... only for the final count to flip everything? Welcome to When It Happened! I'm Olivia, diving into moments that define a story. Olivia: Today, we explore Kamala Harris's memoir detailing her journey through public service. Born to immigrant parents and educated at Howard University, Harris built a career committed to justice, often navigating the complexities of being a prosecutor viewed critically by some communities she aimed to serve. Her path, rooted in activism and a belief in changing systems from within, chronicles her rise through law and politics. But one specific election night stands out, a moment where her entire trajectory hung precariously in the balance, nearly ending before it truly began. Olivia: Picture it: Election night 2010, California Attorney General race. A room buzzes with supporters, banners hang, anticipation thick. Then, early results flash – her opponent leads. Disappointment looms. Kamala feels the weight of hope shift towards preparing a concession. Hours crawl by, the race agonizingly close. Suddenly, the news breaks: Harris has won, by the slimmest margin. California's first female and first African American Attorney General. The room erupts – relief, cheers, and the dawning realization of the immense task ahead, captured vividly in her writing. Olivia: This wasn't just a personal victory; it was the watershed moment detailed throughout her memoir. It validated her approach as a "progressive prosecutor" aiming to reform from within. This incredibly narrow win unlocked the door, giving her the platform as Attorney General to tackle the very issues driving her – criminal justice reform, challenging the broken bail system, and fighting the foreclosure crisis devastating Californians, leading to initiatives like the Homeowner Bill of Rights. It set the stage for her entire statewide and national career, embodying the resilience she champions. Olivia: So, what can we take away? First, progress often hinges on those nail-biting moments where you just have to hold on. Second, breaking barriers gains true meaning when you use that new position to actively create change. Remember that pivotal victories aren't just about the win, but what you do next. That’s our moment for this week on When It Happened. I'm Olivia, thanks for listening.