Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink

Patsy Matsu Mink (née Takemoto; December 6, 1927 – September 28, 2002) was the first woman of color to be elected into Congress. She spent her time in Congress speaking out and writing laws related to gender equality in education. Mink was also the first woman to be an approved lawyer in the state of Hawaii. Mink founded the Oahu Young Democrats in 1954. In 1962, she finally won a seat in the Hawaii Senate. Mink helped write the Women’s Educational Equity Act which provides 30 million dollars per year to promote gender equality in schools. It also increases educational and job opportunities for women. Along with that, she was the co-writer of the Title IX law which requires public schools to provide equal and fair treatment to all genders in education. Mink was the first Asian American to run for president. During her second time in congress, Mink co-founded the Congressional Asian Pacific American Council. She also protested against the promotion of Clarence Thomas to the supreme court after claims of sexual harassment. In 1977 she served under President Jimmy Carter as assistant secretary of state for oceans and international, environmental and scientific affairs. Mink was a member of Congress until her death in 2002.