Statement of People For the American Way Foundation

This week America lost a great progressive champion with the passing on September 28th of Representative Patsy Mink. Mink has been a groundbreaker since her election as the first Asian American woman in the House of Representatives in 1964. Mink was a leader for civil and women’s rights as well as education and the environment. She authored the Women’s Educational Equity Act, known as Title IX, which has changed the face of American education forever. She took courageous stands on the rights of minorities and women, defended civil liberties and worked for government accountability. Patsy Mink will be remembered as a voice for those who lacked the power to speak on their own. Her example as a committed progressive and unabashed believer in the tenets of peace, freedom and the highest ideals of the American Way will not be forgotten.

The Honolulu Advertiser is noting Representative Mink’s passage with tributes and remembrances from readers who knew her.