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UChicago Trivia: Which UChicago alum became the first woman of color elected to Congress?

March 26, 2025By University Communications
the Capitol steps in 1976
Photo by Dev O'Neill, 1976

UCHICAGO TRIVIA

Today's Question:

Which UChicago alum became the first woman of color elected to Congress?

a) Patsy Takemoto Mink
b) Jeannette Rankin
c) Shirley Chisholm
d) March Fong Eu (D)

Representatives Abner J. Mikva (Illinois' 10th District) and Patsy Mink (Hawaii) on the Capitol steps.Answer:

a) Patsy Takemoto Mink

Patsy Takemoto Mink, JD’51, one of two women in her class at UChicago’s Law School, was the first woman of color elected to Congress and a powerful speaker renowned for her advocacy. Her most significant legislative achievement was Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibited sex discrimination in academics and athletics in institutions receiving federal aid. Mink also fought for gender and racial equality, affordable childcare, and bilingual education.