Patsy Takemato Mink was born in 1927 in Hawaii to Japanese immigrants. Despite the growing racial prejudice after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and drew the United States into World War II, Mink persevered. She was the first female president of her high school and its valedictorian in 1944. In graduate school, she met and married fellow student 1st Lt. John F. Mink​, who served during World War II. Discrimination led her to politics as a champion of social justice, civil rights, education and welfare. Her efforts were integral to the passage of Title IX, the educational amendment stipulating for equal funding for men's and women's athletics and academics. In 1965 Hawaiians elected Mink as the first woman of color to serve in Congress. She served in the House of Representatives in two eras: 1965–1977 and 1990–2002. She died in 2002 and was reelected posthumously. Mink was buried in National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific with her husband.
*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. *The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events. 

John and Patsy Mink with daughter, Gwendolyn.

JOHN F MINK

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