National ACE Statement on the Passing of Secretary Norman Mineta

May 3, 2022

We at the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) are deeply saddened by the passing of Secretary Norman Mineta, a Japanese American leader who transformed our nation’s policy landscape amidst political and social turbulence. Mineta served as Mayor of San Jose - the first Asian American Mayor of a major U.S. city, a ten-term Congressman and the founder of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Secretary of Transportation across both Democrat and Republican administrations. He was the first Asian American ever appointed to serve in a Presidential Cabinet. In all of these roles, Mineta shattered boundaries, advocated for the marginalized, and confronted unprecedented challenges with substantive action. 

During World War II, a ten-year-old Mineta and his family were taken from their home in San Jose to an internment camp. They were not able to return to San Jose until Mineta was a teenager. From his humble roots, Mineta grew into an exemplary political leader known for his niche knowledge of the nation’s highways, railroads, and airports. He tirelessly sought justice for the atrocities committed against the Japanese American community and beyond, especially during his tenure as Transportation Secretary. He successfully led efforts to obtain an official apology and reparations for Japanese Americans who were unjustly targeted by racist policies in the 1940s. 

Norman Mineta’s life serves as an example for National ACE, and the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We are grateful for his political advocacy, which our communities reap the benefits of. We are inspired by his commitment to solidarity, collective empowerment, and focused action. National ACE hopes to honor Mr. Mineta’s legacy through upholding these values in our own work and communities.