David Dinkins - Biography

Last Editor: glitter				David Dinkins Biography -   Name : David Dinkins Profession : Politician Birth Details : born July 10, 1927 in Trenton, New Jersey

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David Dinkins Detailed Biography -

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 Abe Beame but was ultimately not appointed due to scandal. He was elected Manhattan Borough President in 1985 on his third try. 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 and Liberal Party candidate. Dinkins entered the mayoralty 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 Korean groceries. 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 perception that crime was out of control, even though it later became evident that crime rates had begun to decline during his tenure. As a result, he did not successfully expand his constituency during his time in office. 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. 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 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. 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 is a prominent member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the oldest intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans. Preceded by: Andrew Stein Borough president of Manhattan 1986-1990 Succeeded by: Ruth Messinger Preceded by: Edward Koch Mayor of New York City 1989—1993 Succeeded by: Rudolph Giuliani City of New York History | Government | Geography | Demographics | Economy | Media | Culture | Transportation | Tourism | Sports | Buildings and architecture | Museums | Education | The Five Boroughs (The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island) | New York City Lists | Portal