Resource

Life Story: Patsy Mink (1927-2002)

Congresswoman and Equal Rights Supporter

The story of a 12-term Japanese American congresswoman from Hawaii and coauthor of Title IX.

A color campaign ad urging voters to “Please re-elect Patsy T. Mink,” a Democrat for “U.S. Congress.” At the top is a color photograph of a smiling Sansei Japanese female with a white blazer, while an American flag is visible in the left background corner.
Patsy Takemoto Poster

Patsy Takemoto Poster, 1970. Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives.

A black and white, 1965 photograph of Sansei Japanese female congresswoman Patsy Takemoto with three male and four female staffers in an office setting.
Patsy Takemoto Mink of Hawaii with Staff

Patsy Takemoto Mink of Hawaii with Staff, 1965. Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives.

A black and white, 1965 portrait photograph of 12 female Congresswomen, three seated and eight standing, including fourth from the left, Sansei Japanese Patsy Takemoto.
Women of Congress Photograph

Women of Congress Photograph, ca 1965. Master File Photographs of U.S. and Foreign Personalities, World Events, and American Economic, Social, and Cultural Life, compiled ca. 1953 – ca. 1994. National Archives and Records Administration.

This video was created by the New-York Historical Society Teen Leaders in collaboration with the Untold project.

Suggested Activities

  • AP Government Connections:
    • 2.1: Congress: The House of Representatives and the Senate
    • 2.2: Structures, powers and function of Congress
    • 2.3: Congressional Behavior
    • 4.1: American Attitude About Government and Politics
    • 4.3: Changes in Ideology
    • 4.4: Influence of Political Events on Ideology
    • 4.8: Ideology & Policy-making
    • 4.10: Ideology & Social Policy
    • 5.9: Congressional Elections
    • 5.10: Modern Campaigns
  • Invite students to conduct a close study of the three images related to this life story. How does each add to their understanding of Patsy’s life and career? Which images stands out most to students?
  • Read Patsy’s life story in conjunction with the life stories of Bella Abzug and Helen Gahagan Douglas. How did each congresswoman approach her political career to bring about change?
  • Title IX is most famous for expanding the realm of women’s sports in schools and beyond. Connect Patsy’s life story to that of Billie Jean King and consider how both leaders shaped the world of women’s sports.
  • Bella Abzug, Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, Shirley Chisholm, and Patsy Mink were founders of the National Political Women’s Caucus. Review their respective resources in WAMS and encourage students to think about what each woman brought to this organization and their motivations for participating.

Themes

AMERICAN IDENTITY AND CITIZENSHIP; POWER AND POLITICS; ACTIVISM AND SOCIAL CHANGE

Source Notes