It is with regret that have to report the passing of New York City’s first black David Dinkins at the age of 93. His death comes one month later after the passing of his wife Joyce Dinkins. Mr. Dinkins was a product of Harlem and one of the most outspoken leaders who fought for the rights of people of color as a former attorney and someone who went on to defeat then mayor Ed Koch and Rudy Giuliani.
Mr. Dinkins was an avid tennis player and enjoyed attending matches at the annual U.S. Opens matches in Flushing, NY.
His devotion to tennis never waned, even as the mayor marked his 80th birthday. He was a constant presence at the U.S. Open; just before leaving City Hall, he signed a 99-year lease to keep the event in Queens.
The deal also arranged for the construction of the Arthur Ashe Stadium, honoring the late African-American tennis star and role model.
During Mr. Dinkins tenure as mayor, he was faced with some challenging times when it had to deal with race relations. In 1991, 7-year-old Gavin Cato was fatally struck by a car driven by a Hasidic jew in Crown Heights, Brooklyn which set off riots for days. A day later the driver himself was fatally stabbed.
After leaving public life, Mr. Dinkins re-emerged in 1999 after the death of Bronx immigrant Amadu Diallo, who was recklessly gunned down by NYPD anti-crime cops who claimed they thought Mr. Diallo’s wallet was a gun.
Mr. Dinkins is survived by a son and daughter.
Our deepest condolences goes out to all his friends and family.
