Celebrating Asian-American Heritage Month: Norman Mineta, first Asian-American mayor of a US city

Norman Mineta, born November 12, 1931 in San Jose, California, is the first Asian-American to be elected major of a major US city.  In 1971, he ran against 14 candidates but became the first Japanese-American mayor of a major US city.  

He was elected to the US House of Representatives for California's 13th congressional district.  

In 2000, he was appointed by President Clinton as US Secretary of Commerce, making him the first Asian-American to appointed to a presidential post.

In 2001, Bush appointed him as Secretary of Transportation, becoming the only Democrat to serve in W's cabinet and the first Asian-American to hold the position.  

Celebrating Black History Month: Henry Flipper, first African-American to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy

Former slave Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African-American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1877 and the first to receive a commission as an officer, second lieutenant, in the U.S. Army.   He was assigned to one of the all-black regiments, typically led by white officers.

He was accused of stealing money from a safe.  Fearing it was a setup, he tried to hide the discrepancy and lied about it when he was confronted.  He was court-martialed and dishonorably discharged.

Many believed he was set up and a review of his court-martial determined his conviction and punishment were "unduly harsh and unjust". President Bill Clinton pardoned him posthumously in February 1999.

Celebrating Pride Month - James Hormel, first openly gay ambassador for U.S.

James Hormel, born January 1, 1933 in Austin, Minnesota, is the first openly gay man to serve as a U.S. Ambassador.  He is a grandson and an heir to the founder of the Hormel Foods. 

In 1994, President Clinton considered him to be the ambassador to Fiji, but at the time gay sex in Fiji was punishable by prison sentences so his nomination was never forwarded.

In 1997, Clinton nominated him as ambassador to Luxembourg, which had removed laws prohibiting consensual same-sex acts in the 1800s.  Despite vigorous opposition, his nomination was approved and he was sworn in as ambassador in June 1999.