New York City's First And Only Black Mayor Dies At 93
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published November 24, 2020 | 10:56 PM
David Dinkins, New York City's first and so far only Black mayor, has died at 93
New York, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Nov, 2020 ) :David Dinkins, New York City's first and so far only Black mayor, has died at 93.
The Democrat served as leader of the city from 1990 to 1993 after defeating Rudy Giuliani and Edward Koch.
His tenure was marked by racial strife -- most notably the Crown Heights riots -- and criticism that he was not up to the job.
Dinkins died from natural causes at home on Monday, the New York Times reported, less than two months after his wife Joyce also passed away.
Current Mayor Bill de Blasio paid tribute to "a truly great man." "David Dinkins simply set this city on a better path," he wrote on Twitter.
Michael Bloomberg, New York mayor from 2002 to 2013, said Dinkins' mayoral victory in 1989 "helped New York City turn an important corner in racial equality." A compromise candidate who remains New York's only Black mayor, he inherited a city marked by racism, poverty and violence.
More than a million New Yorkers were on welfare following a recession, and more than 1,000 murders were reported annually.
Dinkins was elected as a stabilizing force, and famously described New York as a "gorgeous mosaic," but he struggled to make headway.
Responsible for enlarging the police force to combat crime following the murder of a Utah tourist, he slashed the city's budgets for education, housing, health and social services.
Dinkins also appointed one of the city's most diverse cabinets -- including numerous women, and New York's first Puerto Rican fire commissioner and an openly gay Black psychiatrist as its mental health commissioner.
But he was incapable of controlling the headstrong personalities, the New York Times said, and he was heavily criticized for the subsequent policy gridlock.
Known for his tailored linen suits and unfailing courtesy, critics often suggested that Dinkins was "too nice" to lead the city.
- 'We have made history' - Born July 10 1927, Dinkins grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, the New York Times reported.
In 1945, he joined the Marines and later attended the historically Black Howard University, where he majored in mathematics.
He married classmate Joyce, and the couple moved back to New York, where Dinkins practiced as a lawyer after putting himself through Brooklyn Law school, the New York Post reported.
He was appointed City Clerk in 1975 and served for a decade, the Times said, before winning as mayor in 1989.
Dinkins was ousted by Giuliani after only a single term in office, but in his concession speech, the Washington Post said that he told the crowd: "My friends, we have made history. Nothing can ever take that away."After his stint in office, he taught at Columbia University and hosted a local radio program, the Post added.
He is survived by his children, Donna and David Jr., and two grandchildren.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
IHC adjourns PTI founder, Qureshi's appeal till Thursday
CDWP recommends 3 projects to ECNEC for approval
Tarar assures APNS to resolve issues of newspaper industry
Pakistan urged to capitalize on economic stability, for Tobacco Tax Reforms
N. Macedonia polls set to upend ties with EU neighbours
Croatia's ruling party reaches coalition deal with right wing
Bayern coach Tuchel makes three changes for Madrid showdown
Olympic flame arrives on French soil for Paris Games
Punjab Finance Minister announces expansion of Social Protection Authority's man ..
Kenya inks deal to end doctors' strike
Brazil flooding death toll reaches 100
Lebanon security source says five killed in Israeli strikes on south
More Stories From World
-
Football: South African Premiership results
4 hours ago -
Football: South African Premiership table
4 hours ago -
Fiorentina reach Europa Conference League final
5 hours ago -
Fiorentina reach Europa Conference League final
5 hours ago -
Football: Europa Conference League results
6 hours ago -
Tennis: Rome Open results - 1st update
6 hours ago
-
Tennis: Rome Open results
6 hours ago -
Track cycling star Benjamin Thomas escapes to win Giro 5th stage
6 hours ago -
Osaka wins in Rome after three-year absence
6 hours ago -
N. Macedonia polls set to upend ties with EU neighbours
6 hours ago -
Croatia's ruling party reaches coalition deal with right wing
6 hours ago -
Kenya inks deal to end doctors' strike
6 hours ago