Mink was sworn in as the first woman of color in U.S. Congress.
On January 4, 1965, Patsy Mink was officially sworn in as a member of the 89th United States Congress, marking her as the first woman of color and Asian American woman to occupy such a position. Her historic presence in Congress was a testament to her formidable dedication to social justice, education reform, and her tireless work toward gender equality.