DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020
The Famous
Gang of
Four
By Lloyd Williams, President The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce
F
or nearly two decades a few Black men--four friends to be exact, held power and influence in New York politics, particularly anything that had to do with Harlem. Such was their bond that in 1973, a disgruntled Herman Badillo, who they did not support on his second attempt to become Mayor of New York City, dubbed them the “Gang of Four.” Meant to be an insult, the moniker likened them to the infamous four radical political elites of the Chinese Communist Party. Instead, they
turned a negative into a positive and David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, Charles Rangel, and Basil Paterson went on to reign as the Gang of Four in politics, community service, business, media, and civil rights—always remaining close friends. Together and singularly, the legendary “Gang of Four” amassed a record of historic political success, boundless civic service, and achievements in business. They never forgot where they came from, and their deep love and concern for their Black brothers and sisters propelled them to greatness.
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The Positive Community Winter 2021
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