David Dinkins Quotes

A collection of quotes by David Dinkins.

David Dinkins (1927-2020) was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 106th Mayor of New York City from 1990 to 1993. Born on July 10, 1927, in Trenton, New Jersey, Dinkins was raised in Harlem, New York City, and attended public schools in the Bronx. He joined the US Marine Corps during World War II and later earned his bachelor's degree from Howard University and his law degree from Brooklyn Law School.

Dinkins began his political career in the 1960s, getting involved in the Democratic Party and serving in various positions, including as president of the New York City Board of Elections and Manhattan Borough President. However, his biggest achievement came in 1989 when he was elected as the first and, to date, the only African-American Mayor of New York City.

As mayor, Dinkins focused on improving race relations and reducing crime rates in the city. He implemented community policing initiatives, expanded affordable housing programs, and sought to tackle inequalities faced by minority communities. However, his term was also marked by economic challenges and a significant increase in crime rates.

After leaving office, Dinkins returned to teaching and activism. He served as a professor at Columbia University and frequently spoke on issues of racial equality, fairness, and urban politics. David Dinkins passed away on November 23, 2020, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer in New York City's political landscape.