David Dinkins

David Dinkins – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

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David N. Dinkins (1927–2020) was the 106th mayor of New York City and its first African American to hold that office. Learn about his life, political career, values, and some of his meaningful sayings.

Introduction

David Norman Dinkins was an American politician, lawyer, and public servant who served as the 106th mayor of New York City from 1990 to 1993, and remains the city’s first (and to date only) African American mayor. His tenure came at a time of social tension — rising crime, racial unrest, fiscal constraints — and he sought to govern with dignity, coalition building, and moral purpose. In this article, we trace his life, his challenges and accomplishments in office, his principles, and a sampling of his memorable quotes.

Early Life and Education

David Dinkins was born on July 10, 1927, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Sarah “Sally” Lucy Dinkins (a domestic worker) and William Harvey Dinkins Jr. (a barber and real estate agent).

As a child, he relocated to Harlem, New York for part of his youth, before returning to Trenton later. Trenton Central High School in 1945.

Shortly after high school, Dinkins joined the U.S. Marine Corps, becoming one of the Montford Point Marines, the first Black Marines. His service dates from July 1945 through August 1946, reaching the rank of Private First Class. Congressional Gold Medal.

After military service, he attended Howard University, where he earned a B.S. in Mathematics, graduating cum laude in 1950. law degree (LL.B.) from Brooklyn Law School in 1956.

Political Career and Public Service

Early Political Involvement

While maintaining his legal practice from 1956 to 1975, Dinkins became active in Harlem politics, joining the Carver Democratic Club under the influential political circle in Harlem. “Gang of Four”, including Charles Rangel, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson.

In 1966, Dinkins was elected to the New York State Assembly representing a Harlem district — a stepping stone in his public career.

He later served as President of the New York City Board of Elections (1972–1973) and then as City Clerk of New York from 1975 to 1985. Manhattan Borough President, his third attempt for that office.

Mayoral Term: 1990–1993

In 1989, Dinkins won the New York City mayoral election, defeating incumbent Edward Koch in the Democratic primary, and then Republican challenger Rudy Giuliani in the general election.

As mayor, Dinkins advanced the idea of New York as a “gorgeous mosaic”, symbolizing his belief in the city’s diversity as a strength.

One signature initiative was the Safe Streets, Safe City: Cops and Kids program, funded by a dedicated tax, aiming to increase policing while investing in youth outreach and prevention. Lee P. Brown as the city’s first Black police commissioner, emphasizing community policing. Civilian Complaint Review Board to bolster police accountability.

However, his term was also marked by controversies and crises — most notably the Crown Heights riot of 1991, in which racial tensions between Black and Jewish communities escalated after a fatal accident and a subsequent killing. His administration's responses drew sharp criticism and debate.

In 1993, Dinkins lost his re-election bid, narrowly defeated by Rudy Giuliani.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office, Dinkins remained active in public life. He joined the faculty of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) to teach public affairs. David N. Dinkins Leadership and Public Policy Forum, convening civic and policy leaders to discuss equity, governance, and urban challenges.

In 2015, New York City honored him by naming the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street.

He was married in 1953 to Joyce Burrows, daughter of a Harlem political leader. They had two children, David Jr. and Donna.

David Dinkins died on November 23, 2020, in Manhattan at age 93.

His legacy combines symbolism and substance: breaking racial barriers in NYC politics, an approach to governance grounded in civility and dialogue, and reforms in policing, youth investment, and civic renewal.

Personality, Values, and Leadership Style

David Dinkins was often described as a dignified, courteous, and consensus-minded leader. He preferred to avoid fiery rhetoric and instead aimed for respectful discourse, even in contentious times.

He believed in coalition-building across different communities, trusting in dialogue over confrontation. The “gorgeous mosaic” metaphor encapsulated his belief that New York’s strength lay in its diversity, if held together by mutual respect rather than dominance.

Dinkins also showed a strong sense of responsibility to younger generations. He often expressed the idea that city leaders should act as stewards, holding the city “in trust” for children and future citizens.

He was known to be reflective: he understood that history’s judgment might differ from contemporary perceptions, and he often expressed hope that future scholars would see value in his administration’s efforts.

Selected Quotes by David Dinkins

Here are notable quotations that reflect his outlook, values, and voice:

• “The people really are what make New York City great.”

• “I love children, and most of my involvement now has to do with children or youth programs.”

• “I went downtown as a lawyer and then I worked in a liquor store at night, as I had done all through law school. And so when I got to the point where I could give up the night job, I joined the political club.”

• “Some of us claim that New York City is the capital of the country, indeed the capital of the world. … But clearly we are an important city for reasons of our cultural advantages.”

• “Well, I think I am a very, very lucky person. I’m very fortunate.”

• “I haven't committed a crime. What I did was fail to comply with the law.”

• “Well, I'm not sure, but of one thing I am certain: History judges one differently than contemporary observers, … our administration will be seen for some of the things that we accomplished.”

• “Children are amazing … the most fun of all are the real little ones, the young ones.”

These reflect his humility, his belief in public service, and his long view of leadership.

Lessons from David Dinkins

1. Leadership by respect and inclusion
   Dinkins exemplified that leadership can be firm without harshness, and inclusive without blandness. He believed in bringing people together rather than pushing them apart.

2. Courage to serve in hardship
   He chose to lead during a time of high crime, fiscal stress, social fracture — showing that meaningful leadership often demands confronting the hard problems, not avoiding them.

3. Stewardship mindset
   He often framed government as a trust between current stewards and future generations. This reminds us that policy choices echo beyond immediate election cycles.

4. Bridge rather than barricade
   Rather than deepening divisions, Dinkins aimed to mediate, to seek civic dialogue. Even when criticized, he maintained a posture of civility, which in polarized times is a rare strength.

5. Legacy as long view
   Dinkins recognized that history may re-evaluate leadership differently than contemporary voters. His quotes show an awareness that enduring values often outlast transient politics.

Conclusion

David Norman Dinkins (July 10, 1927 – November 23, 2020) was more than a milestone as New York City’s first African American mayor — he was a symbol of possibility, a practitioner of respectful public discourse, and a leader who faced daunting challenges with dignity.

His life journey — from modest beginnings in Trenton to marine service, legal practice, and ascending the heights of New York City government — speaks to perseverance, service, and moral ambition. His administration’s investments in policing reform, youth outreach, neighborhood renewal, and institutional accountability left footprints that continued down the road of New York’s evolution.