Patsy Takemoto Mink: Equal Opportunity

Eye of past US House of Representative, from the Still I Rise series

LED Neckpiece, emiko oye © 2024
Collaboration with Matt Cantu for LED components

Repurposed, recycled and chromed LEGO®, Argentium and sterling silver, repurposed & restrung imitation pearl necklace from artist’s maternal grandmother, silk cord, sterling silver lobster clasp, recycled steel label, LED filament, AAA battery holder with JST PH connector, 10 Ohm resistor, 2 AAA rechargeable batteries

Eye dimensions in inches: 5 W x 3.5 H x 2.5 D
Necklace dimensions: 0.32 bead diameter x 23.5 inside circumference

Pasty Takemoto Mink US House of Representatives

Portrait of Patsy Takemoto Mink from Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress

About Patsy Takemoto Mink
1927-2002

Patsy Takemoto Mink served in the US Congress from 1965-1977 and again from 1990-2002, where she represented Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District. The first woman of color, specifically as a Japanese American, elected to the US House of Representatives, she worked tirelessly for civil rights, women's rights, economic justice, civil liberties, peace, and the integrity of the democratic process. On November 24, 2014, Mink was awarded a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Text excerpt from the Patsy Mink Foundation

“
It is easy enough to vote right and be consistently with the majority. But it is more often more important to be ahead of the majority and this means being willing to cut the first furrow in the ground and stand alone for a while if necessary.
​”
— Patsy Takemoto Mink