Donald M. Payne: “I join with my colleagues in expressing profound sorrow over the loss this weekend of our esteemed colleague…”

“I join with my colleagues in expressing profound sorrow over the loss this weekend of our esteemed colleague, Congresswoman Patsy Mink of Hawaii. While her passing saddens me immensely, I find myself reflecting this evening not so much on the loss of a respected colleague and dear friend but rather on the remarkable life of Patsy Mink, one of the most courageous and inspiring women I have ever known. I had the great privilege of serving on the Committee on Education and the Workforce with Congresswoman Mink, whose political journey began in 1956 in the U.S. territory of Hawaii, where she was elected to the Territorial House of Representatives. She had originally intended to become a medical doctor, but in 1948 few opportunities existed for women wishing to pursue a career in medicine. Patsy Mink applied to twenty medical schools, and was rejected by all of them--not because of her academic record, which was highly commendable, but rather because of her gender. She did not abandon her dream of a challenging and meaningful career, however, she simply shifted her focus. She decided to pursue a career in law instead, and was accepted by the University of Chicago School of Law. Upon finishing her legal education in Chicago, she returned to Hawaii, where she became the first Asian American woman to practice law in the territory. In 1965, Patsy Mink became the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.”