Queens Gazette

First Black Mayor, David N. Dinkins, 93, Dies


David N. Dinkins in 2007. Photo public domain

David N. Dinkins in 2007. Photo public domain

New York’s former Mayor, David N. Dinkins died on Monday, November 23. He was the city’s first Black mayor. His wife, Joyce, had just passed away a few weeks earlier. New York, which he praised as a “gorgeous mosaic” in his inauguration, was already beset by racial unrest, crack, AIDS, and homelessness. The recession and crime soared during his administration, though Dinkins did much to help the city, by spending billions to hire more police, and bringing the Walt Disney Corporation to transform Times Square, and crime did start declining during his administration. We also have Dinkins to thank for bringing the USTA and US Open to Queens.

Dinkins had served in the Marines, graduated cum laude from Howard University with a degree in Mathematics, and earned his LL.B. at Brooklyn Law School. After leaving office, Dinkins became a professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Dinkins is survived by his son, David Dinkins Jr., daughter, Donna Dinkins and two grandchildren.

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