Asian American Voices in Politics | Asian Americans

Patsy Mink faced both racial and gender discrimination as a Japanese American woman who was born in Hawaii. Many tried to deny her opportunities, such as attending medical school, practicing law and running for U.S. Congress. However, she was able to overcome obstacles and found success as both a lawyer and political leader, ultimately becoming the first woman of color elected to Congress in 1965. In the House of Representatives, she fought for gender and racial equality and was an author and sponsor of the Title IX law, which prohibits sexual discrimination in any federally-assisted education program or activity. She was a staunch supporter of the civil rights movement.