Friends Remember David Dinkins

Friends and Colleagues Remember

As a little girl growing up with the greats like David Dinkins and my dad, Bill Lynch, I was inspired to serve. The historic place Mayor Dinkins holds in this city is undeniable, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. His passion and dedication to our great city are the blueprint for effective public service, and I hope that I am making him proud as I run for New York City Council in District 7

Stacy R. Lynch Candidate for NYC City Council, 7th District

Those forces that have always been antithetical to the progress of the Black community rewrote history to reflect that the homelessness and high crime numbers of the 80s were the responsibility of one Mayor David Dinkins. In fact, Mr. Dinkins took office on January 1, 1990, cut crime by 29% in his term, obtained resources from Washington to hire 6,000 new police officers, and was the only mayor to leave office with a budget surplus. The cover up regarding the true achievements of great Black innovators is as historic as the amazing success they achieved. I am thankful this news organization will not allow the truth of Mayor Dinkins work to be crushed to the earth. We are rising with gratitude for the man who made the city a better place through his service; David N. Dinkins.

Governor David Paterson

As our nation continues to reckon with the insurgency at the U.S. Capitol last month, I’m reminded of the legacy that the late Honorable Mayor David Dinkins left behind through his outlook of New York City as a “gorgeous mosaic.” He was always a unifier as he fought for fairness for those at the bottom rung of the ladder and helped those at the top of it understand their struggle. Despite so much negativity thrown his way, he never answered with ugliness. What you saw in public, was what I saw in private: a principled, calm, healing man who wanted to move society forward for everybody.

Rev. Al Sharpton President, National Action Network

“New York City lost a hero with a big heart with the passing of Mayor David Dinkins. He cared so deeply about every one in and every aspect of this great city, reflecting his deeply felt humanity and humility. He was a great friend and teacher, who never pulled a punch when giving advice. I miss him terribly, a sentiment I know I share with all New Yorkers and so many throughout the world.”

Cy Vance, Jr. Manhattan District Attorney

David Dinkins was among the most underrated politicians in recent times, but he rarely expressed publicly the resentment that many of us loyalists felt-- his achievements as mayor were never given the recognition they deserved. Maybe he was too decent, not loud enough, unwilling to exploit fears and division to score political points to gain attention. But those of us who loved and respected him will never forget the pioneer and role model he was for generations of his disciples.

Ken Sunshine Sunshine Sachs Consultants

I can’t remember a time in my life not knowing David N. Dinkins. He was a mentor, a friend, a grandfather to me. When I was ten he made a promise to me. He promised to be there for me if for some reason, later in my life my father was unable to be. He kept that promise. His loss is so profound it shakes me and so many others, to the core. He was our mayor, our leader, and our friend. His kind smile and reassuring eyes made all of under his watch know we would be alright.

Elinor Tatum Publisher, New York Amsterdam News

I often feel privileged when I think about growing up in the greatest community in the City of New York. The Village of Harlem is not just a special place to me, but the other New Yorkers that call it home. We have been fortunate enough to live among giants within the African-American community and one of those giants was Mayor David Dinkins. Our former mayor was an icon among intellectuals. He was a trailblazer for people of color, building bridges and pathways of opportunities for

DAVID DINKINS | 1927–2020

David Dinkins, Janet

Jackson with an over- David Dinkins, whelmed young Stacy Lynch Ken Sunshine and and Stacy’s Dad, Bill Lynch David Dinkins, Janet Rev. Al Sharpton

Jackson with an over- David Dinkins, others. Never too big to shine the light on those who deserved recogni whelmed young Stacy Lynch Ken Sunshine and tion as true contributors to our great society. He will always be remem-and Stacy’s Dad, Bill Lynch Rev. Al Sharpton bered for his ambition, ingenuity and forward thinking and for that we thank him, we appreciate him, and we honor him. Inez E. Dickens NYS Assembly 70th District others. Never too big to shine the light on those who deserved recognition as true contributors to our great society. He will always be remembered for his ambition, ingenuity and forward thinking and for that we thank him, we appreciate him, and we honor him. Mayor Dinkins, my “Uncle Dave” until he became “My Mayor,” was simply the loveliest man. Some lead with fear; others with grace. My MayInez E. Dickens NYS Assembly 70th District or was the latter. While busting open the door my grandfather (Percy Sutton) cracked open—New York City Mayor’s Office at City Hall, he led with a full heart. I felt his love personally, especially when eighteen years ago he officiated my marriage! He left me with a deep affection for him, and a determination to break barriers and love fully. Keisha Sutton-James Political Consultant Mayor Dinkins, my “Uncle Dave” until he became “My Mayor,” was simply the loveliest man. Some lead with fear; others with grace. My Mayor was the latter. While busting open the door my grandfather (Percy Sutton) cracked open—New York City Mayor’s Office at City Hall, he led with a full heart. I felt his love personally, especially when eighteen years ago he officiated my marriage! He left me with a deep affection for him, and a determination to break barriers and love fully. I joined the Dinkins administration as director of the Federal Office in NYC. My role was to bring in federal grants; we won $90 million over 4 Keisha Sutton-James Political Consultant years. Every day, I witnessed him grappling with the challenge of being the first Black mayor of New York, never failing to be gracious. I stayed close to Mayor Dinkins. On July 10, 2019, when he turned 92, his Borough President and Mayoral staff organized a birthday celebration at the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building. He sat in a “throne” chair from the old Board of Estimate next to his “brother,” Congress Member Rangel, and greeted hundreds of adoring guests. At Columbia, he is remembered for bringing in guest lecturers of national stature; children always knew he loved them; and we all felt his desire to improve the lives of New Yorkers. Gale A. Brewer Manhattan Borough President I joined the Dinkins administration as director of the Federal Office in NYC. My role was to bring in federal grants; we won $90 million over 4 years. Every day, I witnessed him grappling with the challenge of being the first Black mayor of New York, never failing to be gracious. I stayed close to Mayor Dinkins. On July 10, 2019, when he turned 92, his Borough President and Mayoral staff organized a birthday celebration at the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building. He sat in a “throne” chair from the old Board of Estimate next to his “brother,” Congress Member Rangel, and greeted hundreds of adoring guests. At Columbia, he is remembered for bringing in guest lecturers of national stature; children always knew he loved them; and we all felt his desire to improve the lives of New Yorkers. As we pause to celebrate 2021 Black History Month, it is fitting we remember and reflect on those who contribute and participate in makGale A. Brewer Manhattan Borough President ing democracy a reality. New York City’s 106th mayor, David N. Dinkins was my mentor and confidant. Dinkins embodied the word gentleman. An extraordinary man, gentle and kind, he was considerate of all persons. A great husband and father not only for his family but for many others he had contact with. His favorite saying, “The service we provide to our communities is the rent we pay here on earth.” I hope the service I give trying to get justice and equality for all people emulates his good works during his years in service to the people. Hazel Dukes President of the NAACP New York State Conference As we pause to celebrate 2021 Black History Month, it is fitting we remember and reflect on those who contribute and participate in making democracy a reality. New York City’s 106th mayor, David N. Dinkins was my mentor and confidant. Dinkins embodied the word gentleman. An extraordinary man, gentle and kind, he was considerate of all persons. A great husband and father not only for his family but for many others he had contact with. His favorite saying, “The service we provide to our communities is the rent we pay here on earth.” I hope the service I give trying to get justice and equality for all people emulates his good works during his years in service to the people.

Hazel Dukes

President of the NAACP New York State Conference www.thepositivecommunity.com

Assemblywoman Inez Dickens with Mayor David N. Dinkins Assemblywoman Inez Dickens with Mayor David N. Dinkins

Keisha Sutton-James with her Mayor on his 90th birthday Keisha Sutton-James with her Mayor on his 90th birthday

Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer with David N. Dickents Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer with David N. Dickents

Elinor Tatum, David Dinkins, Hazel Dukes

L–R: David and Joyce Dinkins with Chirlane McCray

L–R: NY Mayor de Blasio; Dinkins; and Michael Garner, MTA executive and past president, One Hundred Black Men of NY, an organization that Mr. Dinkins co-founded.

View TPC’s and Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce’s

special and touching video Remembering David Dinkins tribute to the Dinkins’ legacy, By R.L. Witter

“A Class of His Own.”ince I interviewed the first (and thus far, only) African-American Mayor of New York City, Honorable David N. Dinkins in 2014, the former mayor received numerous awards and accolades, including the renaming of the David N. Dinkins Municipal Build At 91-years-old he stepped down from teaching his popular course at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). But true to his lifelong, strong work ethic, Dinkins wasn’t finished leaving his mark on New York City and the world. He continued to play an active role at Columbia University and served a variety of civic and charitable organizations and Boards that included the Association to Benefit Children, Children’s Health Fund, Coalition for the Homeless, Jazz Foundation of America, The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and Posse Foundation, among others.

Beginning in 1995, Dinkins oversaw and hosted the annual David N. Dinkins Leadership & Public Policy Forum, discussing and dissecting challenging issues such as education, criminal-justice reform and race, the environment, immigration, voting rights, and gun control. Keynote speakers included Vice President Al Gore; then Senator Hillary Clinton; U.S. Rep. John Lewis, the late civil rights icon; and in 2020 Van Jones.

As I reflect upon the man, his life, and his legacy, only now have I fully processed the weight of losing him and why the loss affected me profoundly. My first recollection of Mayor Dinkins is the fuzzy, childhood memory

de Blasio Hosts Dinkins’ 90th Birthday Party

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray hosted a 90th birthday party for former Mayor David Dinkins at Gracie Mansion in 2017. Joined by celebrities, movers and shakers in business and community service, and the who's who in NYC Black life and culture, it was a heartfelt tribute to a beloved leader. —TPC Staff