250 to 250: 35. Patsy Mink, Narrated by Senator Mazie Hirono

 

 

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Patsy Mink, Narrated by Senator Mazie Hirono

Senator Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii was the first elected female senator from her state and the first Asian-American woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Senator Hirono shares the legacy of U.S. Representative Patsy Mink, who fought tirelessly for gender equality in American education.

Patsy Mink was born in Hawaii when it was a U.S. territory.

• She was the granddaughter of Japanese immigrants.
• She became the first Asian American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
• She believed that education helps create equal opportunities.

Patsy Mink worked to make schools fair for everyone.

• She helped write Title IX.
• Title IX became law in 1972.
• The law prohibits discrimination based on sex in schools and colleges that receive federal money.
• Title IX gave more girls and women equal opportunities in education and sports.
• Patsy Mink worked for equal rights throughout her life.
• After her death in 2002, Congress renamed the law the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act.
• Today, Patsy Mink is remembered as a leader for equal rights and education.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 2:05: Are you male or female?
• USCIS 100:16. Who makes federal laws?
• USCIS 100:23. / 128:28. Name your U.S. representative. 
• USCIS 128:10. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Family Fun:

• LOC: Patsy Takemoto Mink’s Title IX Legacy
• National Archives: The 50th Anniversary of Title IX 
• NMAH: We Belong Here (Title IX online exhibit)
• U.S. Mint: Coin Classroom: Patsy Mink quarter coloring page
• USPS: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Title IX