Director: Kimberlee Bassford

Distributor: Women Who Make Movies

 

In 1965, Patsy Takemoto Mink became the first woman of color in the United States Congress. Seven years later, she ran for the US presidency and was the driving force behind Title IX, an Education Amendment that became landmark legislation transforming women’s opportunities in higher education and athletics. Mink was an Asian American woman who fought racism and sexism while redefining US politics, and her tumultuous and often lonely political journey reveals what can be at stake for female politicians that defy expectations, push limits and adhere to their principles. This film illuminates how Mink’s daring to remain “ahead of the majority” in her beliefs enabled groundbreaking changes for the rights of the disenfranchised. A woman of the people as well as a pioneer, a patriot and also an outcast, Patsy Mink’s intriguing story embodies the history, ideals and spirit of America.