Born December 6, 1927, Paia, Hawaii—died September 8, 2002

Patsy Mink was the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Asian-American woman to serve in Congress. 

Patsy Takemoto Mink championed the rights of immigrants, minorities, women, and children. She was a distinguished, dedicated, and innovative legislator who served as a member of the territorial House of Representative of Hawaii, State Senator of Hawaii, and for over two decades as the representative of Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District.