Norman Y. Mineta has led a life of startling achievement. From a childhood in a concentration camp in Heart Mountain, Wyoming, to becoming the first Asian American to serve in a presidential cabinet, Mineta has never ceased seeking to improve the lives of those around him. With the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, he gained an official apology and redress for the thousands of Japanese Americans imprisoned during World War II. He endorsed same sex marriage, and in 1991, co-authored the Americans with Disabilities Act. These years of hard work paid off – in 2000, Mineta was appointed the Secretary of Commerce under Bill Clinton; in 2001, he was appointed the Secretary of Transportation under George W. Bush.
Now we can learn the full story of Norman Mineta's inspiring life in a new biopic, Norman Mineta and his Legacy: An American Story presented by PBS. Directed by Dianne Fukami, and co-produced by Fukami and Debra Nakatomi, the film includes interviews with Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush; retired Senator Alan Simpson; and retired Representative Barney Frank. Covering Norm's life, from an early childhood in San Jose, California, to his work during 9/11, Norm Mineta and his Legacy uncovers the story of a true patriot.
WGBH sat down with Former Secretary Mineta this past week to discuss his life, his views on politics, and his own American Dream.
Norman Mineta and his Legacy: An American Story, a documentary portrait of the American statesman and trailblazer, premieres on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 9pm on WGBH 2, and Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 7pm on WORLD Channel.
