David Dinkins, the former mayor of NYC, passed away on Monday, November 23, at his Upper East Side residence.
David Dinkins is the only black man to get the mayorship of New York. He got elected in 1989, defeating three-term incumbent Ed Koch. Authorities said Dinkins called the NYPD after he felt difficulty in breathing at around 9:30 pm.
The former mayor died of natural causes in Manhattan at the age of 93. Joyce Burrow, the former mayor’s wife, passed away about a month before him at 89. She was a classmate of Dinkins at Howard University.
Dinkins became the 106th mayor and first black mayor of the nation’s largest city after beating Republican Rudy Giuliani. He addressed the nation first time on Jan 2, 1990, as the mayor of NYC.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Dinkin’s family and to all those who loved and supported him. He served the city gracefully and deserved all the respect and appreciation,” said Giuliani.
The political foes and members of the opposition also had great respect for Dinkins’s political services.
He left a significant impact on American politics and was remembered and admired long after his tenure was over. He was the man of words who proved that a black guy could earn biracial support. The historic mayor led the city with great dignity and respect, proving that he’s the “mayor of all people.
A civil rights activist called the deceased former mayor as the forerunner to Barack Obama. She said Obama won the elections by saying and doing the same things that David Dinkins did.
“David was a political figure loved by many. He contributed a lot to change the psychology of the nation’s politics. He was too nice to be the mayor of New York; with his class and gentlemanliness, he set an example for millions. People like him are rare on this planet today,” said Sharpton
Dinkins got the mayorship when New York passed from the most challenging times; 2000 murders were reported the year he was elected. He brought a change amidst those struggling times when the crime rate was highest, and the city was divided into several political and racial groups.”