David Dinkins

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David N. Dinkins

Mayor of New York City
In office
1990 – 1993
Preceded by Edward I. Koch
Succeeded by Rudolph W. Giuliani
Born July 10, 1927
Trenton, New Jersey
Residence New York, New York
Political party Democrat
Religion Episcopal
Spouse Joyce Dinkins (formerly Joyce Burrows)

David Norman Dinkins (born July 10, 1927 in Trenton, New Jersey) was the Mayor of New York City from 1989 through 1993, the first (and, to date, only) African American to hold that office. During World War II he served in the United States Marine Corps. Dinkins is a graduate of Howard University, with a degree in Mathematics, and Brooklyn Law School.

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[edit] Political Career

Dinkins was a product of the traditional Democratic Party organization in Harlem and became part of an influential clique of African-American politicians that included Percy Sutton, Basil Paterson and Charles Rangel. As an investor, Dinkins was one of fifty African American investors who helped Percy Sutton found Inner City Broadcasting Corporation in 1971. He served briefly in the New York State Legislature and for many years as New York City Clerk.

He was named Deputy Mayor by Mayor Abraham D. Beame but was ultimately not appointed due to scandal. He was elected Manhattan Borough President in 1985 on his third run for that office. He was elected the city's mayor on November 7, 1989, having defeated three-term incumbent Mayor Ed Koch and two others to win the Democratic nomination and going on to narrowly defeat Rudy Giuliani, the Republican candidate.

[edit] Mayoralty

Dinkins entered office pledging racial healing throughout what he called the "gorgeous mosaic" of New York's diverse communities. It was thought that his low-key personality, which contrasted so sharply with that of his predecessor, along with the symbolic aspect of his being the city's first black mayor might ease racial tensions. Instead, Dinkins' term was marked by polarizing events including the 1991 Crown Heights riots and the boycott of a Korean grocery in Flatbush. Dinkins was torn between his base in the black community and the need to win broader support, since the African-American vote was insufficient to achieve electoral success citywide.

Perhaps as a result, he was perceived by many as weak and indecisive, if well-meaning, in these crises. The diplomatic style that had seemed like an asset now appeared to be a liability. He was also hurt by the conviction that crime was out of control, as he was in office during the peak of the crack epidemic and the drug-fueled wars which followed it.

[edit] Economic Policy

Dinkins became mayor with a $1.8 billion budget deficit when he entered office. He attempted to balance the budget and raised taxes. Although with high oil prices due to the Gulf War and an overall downturn in the economy this backfired. 300,000 private sector jobs were further lost, erasing the city’s tax base. His handling of the city's finances was criticized as being too beholden to the unions and other pressure groups that were vital to his election. Investment was at an all time low

His integrity came under fire, as well as his efficacy. Answering accusations that he failed to pay his taxes, Salon magazine later reported, Dinkins reasoned, "I haven't committed a crime. What I did was fail to comply with the law."

In 1991, Mayor Dinkins signed a law which made it illegal for companies in New York City to do business with companies in Northern Ireland that discriminated against Catholics. In that same year, he hosted an unprecedented open house event in which 1400 people came to City Hall to speak with city officials. 1,058 suggestions, 216 problems, and 258 other comments were recorded. Fewer than one percent of the suggestions were considered for implementation.

[edit] 1993 Election

In 1993, Mayor Dinkins again faced Rudy Giuliani in a bitter contest with the candidates' vote totals changing only marginally from the 1989 result. This time however, Giuliani emerged victorious. Dinkins's departure from office at the end of 1993 would later prove to be something of an irony for New York City; although he was the city's first black mayor, he has also remained its last Democratic mayor to date in a city where party affiliation among registered voters overwhelmingly favors Democrats.

Dinkins was subsequently given a professorship at Columbia University. Although he has not attempted a political comeback, Dinkins has remained somewhat active in politics, and his endorsement of various candidates, including Mark J. Green in the 2001 Mayoral race, was well-publicized. In some of his actions -- e.g., the Green endorsement -- he has been in conflict with Al Sharpton. He supported Democrat Fernando Ferrer in the 2005 New York mayoral election.

During his time serving as mayor, his chief-of-staff was Ken Sunshine.

Dinkins is married to the former Joyce Burrows and they have two children. The couple are members of the Church of the Intercession in New York City. Dinkins' radio program "Dialogue with Dinkins" can be heard Saturday mornings on WLIB radio in New York City


Dinkins is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, a Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans.

[edit] Citywide Tickets Mayor Dinkins Ran On

[edit] 1989 NYC Democratic Ticket

[edit] 1993 NYC Democratic Ticket


Preceded by
Andrew Stein		 Borough President of Manhattan
1986-1990		 Succeeded by
Ruth Messinger
Preceded by
Edward I. Koch		 Mayor of New York City
1990—1993		 Succeeded by
Rudolph W. Giuliani

[edit] External Links

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