As a member of the United States Congress, Patsy Mink took stands for racial and gender equality by authoring numerous bills and even running for President in 1972.
"What pulled her into politics was a combination of things -- among them, gender issues facing her uniquely, post-WWII ferment for self-governance in the territory of Hawaii, nuclear testing in the Pacific, the arms race, and the civil rights movement on the mainland. She became involved in politics as a candidate for office and then as a legislator after working on other people's (male candidates') campaigns. She thought, if they can serve, why can't I?" - Gwendolyn Mink, personal interview
Patsy's label pin. Made for a campaign during her first term in Congress - 1965-1977.
Mink helped break political barriers for women. Since 1964, when Mink became the first woman of color elected to congress, more than 60 women of color have served in the U.S. Congress. (nytimes.com)
"Patsy T. Mink reviews signatures needed to put her name on the Oregon presidential ballot, March 10, 1972. [J. E. Ericksen, photographer, Oregon Statesmen.] Patsy T. Mink Papers, Manuscript Division."
Mink ran for President in 1972 to turn a spotlight on the Civil rights, social welfare reform, the Vietnam War and the nation’s sexist notion that a woman could not be president. (Davidson, page 152-157) Having called the Nation’s attention to these issues, she pulled out of the race, supporting George McGovern, who became the democratic candidate. He ran an anti-war platform against Richard Nixon but lost.
She said, "Life is not based on being an elected politician. Politics is a constant involvement in the day-to-day working of society as a whole, one part of which is government"
Meeting with cabinet members, 1977, photographer unknown
When Mink was in Congress, she said, "It is easy enough to vote right and be consistently with the majority, but it is more often more important to be ahead of majority. This means willing to cut the first furrow in the ground and stand alone for a while if necessary."
People always knew where Mink stood. She stood by her word and did not step away from controversial or difficult issues. She wasn't afraid to take an unpopular position to support her beliefs.
"What made her so successful is a strong moral/ethical compass; stick-to-it-iveness; resilience; solidarity; courage; wisdom." - Gwendolyn Mink
"In 2002 Mink again announced her candidacy for re-election to the House and easily won the Democratic primary. Late that summer she contracted chicken pox and had to be hospitalized as her condition worsened. Her death, from pneumonia in a Honolulu hospital, was unexpected, but it was too late to remove her name from the ballot for the November election and she was posthumously re-elected. A special election was held afterward to fill her seat. - (anb.org)
"Patsy T. Mink on the House floor protesting the Florida vote count in the 2000 presidential election, January 6, 2001. Photographer unknown. Patsy T. Mink Papers, Manuscript Division."
"Official portrait of Hawaii territorial senate, 1958. Patsy T. Mink Papers, Manuscript Division. Surrounded by a sea of men, Mink sits five from the left on the bottom row."