Lesson Plan, Video Women Advancing Equality: Patsy Mink
Patsy Mink’s life story exemplifies advocacy for change and equality. She confronted discrimination when she wanted to become a doctor and lawyer. Then she joined the Democratic Party to fight for equality. Despite her initial setback in gaining the support of the decision makers in the party in being elected to the House of Representatives, she succeeded in her subsequent attempt. As an elected member of Congress, her actions and deeds led to progressive changes in legislation creating openness, fairness and equality.
This lesson plan, for grades K-5, features a video, summary article, and different activities for various age groups with accompanying handouts and materials.
- Grade Level K-5th Grade
- Time Period 1950 - 1989
Introduction
Rep. Patsy Takemoto Mink (HI) became the first Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and woman of color to serve as Congressperson and her experience as an AANHPI woman contributed to the passage of the 1965 Civil Rights Act and, more notably, Title IX and The Women’s Educational Equity Act.
This lesson plan, for grades K-5, features a video, summary article, and different activities for various age groups with accompanying handouts and materials.
Additional Resources
Book: Patsy Mink: Mother of Title 9 (2018) by Ai-Ling Louie: https://dragoneagle.com/our-books
TIME for Kids: “This is Patsy: Read the Story of Patsy Takemoto Mink”: https://www.timeforkids.com/g56/this-is-patsy-takemoto-mink/
Article: The Conversation: “Patsy Takemoto Mink Blazed the Trail for Kamala Harris – Not Famous White Woman Susan B. Anthony": https://theconversation.com/patsy-takemoto-mink-blazed-the-trail-for-kamala-harris-not-famous-white-woman-susan-b-anthony-149807
WMM: trailer for documentary Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsHncYl7Xcg&t=133s
Essential Questions
What does fairness mean?
What does equality mean?
Why is fairness and equality important in society?
How do people show equality in our school and communities?