Political Quotes

“I rise today, during Asian Pacific American Heritage month, in remembrance of Representative Patsy Takemoto Mink. Representative Mink was elected 55 years ago to represent Hawaii's second congressional district. In 2006, I had the privilege of filling the seat that my friend, Representative Mink, honorably held for 24 years. Patsy Mink was a trailblazer, whose career embodied a series of firsts. She was the first woman of color, and first Asian American woman elected to Congress in 1964. She became the first Asian American woman to practice law in Hawaii and the first Asian American woman elected to the Hawaii territorial legislature. No matter how many times she was excluded from traditionally male spheres, Representative Mink persevered and took risks. She overcame gender and racial discrimination and pursued a career during which she fought the injustice that she had endured. She devoted nearly 50 years of her life to be a champion for those who had no one to stand up and speak for them. Representative Mink maintained a national focus on issues facing the Asian Pacific American community. Twenty-five years ago, she helped found the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. She also worked with members of Hawaii's congressional delegation to educate Americans about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Representative Mink fought throughout her life for the principles of equity, fairness, and integrity.…”