“Writers on Writing” Radio Show: Special Episode Remembering Former Mayor David N. Dinkins

David N. Dinkins, the first and only Black mayor of New York City, passed away on November 23, 2020. He was 93 years old. In this rebroadcast, Dr. Brenda M. Greene talks with former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins about his life as the city’s first African American mayor, his decades-long career as a public servant, and his book, A Mayor’s Life: Governing New York’s Gorgeous Mosaic.

In 1989, David N. Dinkins was elected the 106th mayor of the City of New York, the most populous city in America. During his term, Dinkins implemented many successful public programs and faced enormous challenges. During the conversation, Dr. Greene and Mr. Dinkins reflect on his life in New York City politics as an assemblyman, city clerk and Manhattan Borough President, culminating with his election as mayor of New York City—the first and the only African American to hold the position. They also discuss some of the highlights of his remarkable career and talk about the people and experiences that have had an impact on his leadership ideals.

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