PATSY MINK: AHEAD OF THE MAJORITY is the remarkable political journey of an Asian American woman who battled racism and sexism, shattered barriers and redefined American politics.
In 1965, Patsy Takemoto Mink became the first woman of color in the United States Congress. Seven years later, she ran for U.S. president and co-authored Title IX, the landmark legislation that opened up higher education and athletics to America's women.
The film goes beyond Mink's accomplishments to reveal a woman whose political journey was often lonely and tumultuous. Dispelling stereotypes of the compliant Japanese female, she encountered sexism within her own party, whose leaders disliked her independent style and openly maneuvered against her. Her liberal politics, particularly her vocal opposition to the Vietnam War, engendered intense criticism.
As Franklin Odo, director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program, says, "Patsy Mink offers a phenomenal political story, because she was so outside what you would expect of a woman, of a Japanese American and of a member of Congress." A woman of the people as well as a pioneer, a patriot and also an outcast, Patsy Mink's story proves endlessly intriguing, and is one that embodies the history, ideals and spirit of America.
