Source: Jim Spellman / Getty
David Dinkins, New York City’s first and only Black mayor, has passed away. He was 93.
NewsOne reports that Dinkins died on Monday night (Nov. 24) in his home of natural causes. Only a little over a month ago, his wife, Joyce Dinkins, had passed.
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Dinkins was a graduate of Howard University, earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The well regarded Dinkins was part of NYC’s “Gang Of Four,” which included Basil Paterson, Rep. Charles Rangel, and Percy Sutton; members of Harlem’s Carver Democratic Club who would each rise in the political scene.
Dinkins would run for Mayor of New York City in 1989, defeating incumbent Edward Koch. Hip-Hop heads of a certain age will surely remember the late Phife Dawg rapping, “Mr. Dinkins would you please be my mayor, you’ll be doing us a really big favor,” on a Tribe Called Quest’s “Can I Kick It?”
David Dinkins — New York City’s first and only Black mayor, has passed away at age 93.
In 1990 A Tribe Called Quest immortalized him in “Can I Kick It”.
Rest, Sir…pic.twitter.com/qEdOjnIp2P
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) November 24, 2020
However, Dinkins would not win re-election in 1993, losing to Rudy Giuliani. Ask anyone around during those times, and the reason was quite obvious. Hint: Think of a pioneering Barack Obama leading to a bottom-dwelling Donald Trump.
Save your "commemoration." The nose blower, who married his cousin, stoked racial discord, engaged in racist tactics, & refused to even dine with Dinkins. He told Black leaders to "watch their mouth." Still asking what happened to "America's Mayor?" Plz! https://t.co/kffbY8Ybl8
— @tiffanydcross (@TiffanyDCross) November 24, 2020
Immediately after news of his passing, memorials began pouring in honoring Dinkins for his pioneering life of service. See some of the notable reactions to Dinkins’ passing below.
Rest in powerful peace.
Chirlane and I are mourning a truly great man. David Dinkins simply set this city on a better path.
He was my mentor, he was my friend, and his steadfast commitment to fight for that “gorgeous mosaic” inspires me every single day.
We’ll keep up his fight. pic.twitter.com/gL0yY8Ae9s
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) November 24, 2020
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NYC’s 1st & Only Black Mayor David Dinkins Dies At 93, Twitter Praises The Legend was originally published on hiphopwired.com
1.
My favorite @ATCQ song includes the lyric: “Mr Dinkins would you please be my mayor?” And he was, and made us New Yorkers so proud. Rest in peace and power to a good and great man. Our mayor: David Dinkins. 🙅🏿♀️✊🏿❤️ https://t.co/0mN4nusM0f
— Joy WE VOTED!! WEAR A MASK!! Reid 😷) (@JoyAnnReid) November 24, 2020
2.
David Dinkins — New York City’s first and only Black mayor, has passed away at age 93.
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) November 24, 2020
In 1990 A Tribe Called Quest immortalized him in “Can I Kick It”.
Rest, Sir...pic.twitter.com/qEdOjnIp2P
3.
Not the most important part of David Dinkins legacy. But the historic and steep drop in the crime rate in New York City, which would become so central to his successor’s myth, actually began under David Dinkins.
— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) November 24, 2020
4.
My Mayor. David Dinkins was grace itself. Healways went high when they went low. He taught me that you don’t need to be loud to be strong. He took a quiet pride in the small kindnesses. He accomplished much with humility and more strength than the world knew. Rest in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/Yqs4B8M2Xi
— Patrick Gaspard (@patrickgaspard) November 24, 2020
5.
Rest in Power, David Dinkins – New York City's first and only Black mayor. He was a gracious but strong leader and trailblazer! 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/KSBTcUp2Xu
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) November 24, 2020
6.
David Dinkins pledged Alpha Phi Alpha at Howard University, he's on the far left in this 1950s photo. Andrew Young is in the photo as well pic.twitter.com/6aT6VFujKf
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) November 24, 2020
7.
.@NYPD19Pct officers responded to his Upper East Side home, after his home health aide discovered he wasn’t breathing just after nine this evening. EMS pronounced him dead shortly thereafter.
— Myles Miller (@MylesMill) November 24, 2020
8.
The example Mayor David Dinkins set for all of us shines brighter than the most powerful lighthouse imaginable, and I stand on his shoulders.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) November 24, 2020
New York will mourn Mayor Dinkins and continue to be moved by his towering legacy. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
9.
“It is a big town, lots of problems, but I always had the confidence that among us, collectively, we could get the job done." In 2014, I spent an afternoon with Dinkins as he reflected on the 25th anniversary of his historic election: https://t.co/YKbPCipT0U
— Joel Siegel (@joelmsiegel) November 24, 2020
10.
Damn. The FIRST time I ever voted was for David Dinkins, who I just learned passed away last night.
— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) November 24, 2020
He wasn't a perfect mayor, but he was a good man and he was our first Black Mayor.
RIP, Mayor David Dinkins. pic.twitter.com/MgkX0EQBaj
11.
When I set out to make The Brooklyn Bridge film, David Dinkins gave an impossibly young filmmaker his genuine attention. NYC’s turnaround really began in earnest with this kind man, a true servant of the people.
— Ken Burns (@KenBurns) November 24, 2020
12.
Remember, the NYPD revolt against David Dinkins was in-part because he refused to give them semiautomatic weapons and instituted a citizen review board. https://t.co/dIdy1iyBJs
— deray (@deray) November 24, 2020
13.
I was so honored to have David Dinkins hold the bible at my inaugurations. Without him, I wouldn't be here.
— Tish James (@TishJames) November 24, 2020
New York has lost a titan of our time, but he has gone home to reunite with his beloved Joyce. May he rest in power. pic.twitter.com/phwHc3fII9