Howard Berman: “Patsy Mink was a wonderful person with a compassionate heart and a warm and loving spirit. She was tireless and forceful…”

“Patsy Mink was a wonderful person with a compassionate heart and a warm and loving spirit. She was tireless and forceful in her advocacy for civil rights, for justice, for the environment, and for adequate health care and education for the disadvantaged. Throughout her distinguished legislative career, her work was characterized by great skill and a straightforward approach that instilled confidence and won her a reputation for being forthright and honest. She was known for her ability to build coalitions for progressive legislation. Hawaii was not yet a state when Patsy started down the path of political activism. As the first Asian-American woman elected to Congress, indeed the first woman of any ethnic minority elected to Congress, she took very seriously her responsibilities as a role model and mentor. She fought fiercely against words, actions, and policies that she saw as unfair or intolerant. She spent her life breaking down barriers and dedicated herself to fighting for equality. For me, Patsy was not only a talented professional, but a friend and I will miss her greatly.”