Photo credit: Isseu Diouf Campbell
Local officials had, on November 28, 2020, an opportunity to set the record straight at a Harlem salute to the first and only Black Mayor of the “liberal” city of New York, the Honorable David Dinkins, following what they consider a smear campaign against the former mayor.
Several leaders spoke, including former Congressman Charles Rangel, the last member of the Gang of Four; NAACP New York State Conference President Hazel Dukes; David Paterson, the 55th governor of New York; Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Reverend Al Sharpton, former Assemblyman Keith Wright, First Lady Chirlane McCray and Mayor Bill de Blasio. Many of them knew him personally and worked for him, and some spoke about programs they said Dinkins initiated, but never received the credit for, because of racism.
Dinkins created the Beacon programs for youth, the first after school program in the City of New York, and community policing, to create a better relationship between officers and members of the community. He also welcomed Nelson Mandela to New York City and secured a home in Queens for the US Open.
David Dinkins died on November 23, 2020, six weeks after Joyce Dinkins, “his bride” passed away.
The salute was held at the National Action Network headquarters on 145th Street.
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