Dear Howard University Community,

Many of you have likely already heard the news that former mayor of New York City and esteemed Howard University alumnus David Dinkins passed away this week at the age of 93. His beloved wife Joyce Dinkins, a fellow Howard graduate, died fewer than two months ago. The two met while they were undergraduates at Howard; Mayor Dinkins studied mathematics and Mrs. Dinkins studied sociology. In 1991, he also received Howard’s Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award in the field of politics. In 1992, he served as the opening convocation speaker and received an honorary Doctor of Laws.

Mayor Dinkins was the first and only Black mayor of our country’s largest city, where he served one term, from 1990 – 1993. He took over the helm of New York at a time when the city was besieged by crime, corruption and racial division. While his election might not have ushered in a new era of peace and harmony, his ascendance represented a significant moment for the country, much the way Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ elevation to the second highest office of the land is meaningful today.

When Mayor Dinkins was elected, it was an important signal that the interests of the city’s African-American population and communities of color must be taken into account. It also demonstrated the power and relevance of civic engagement and the importance of mobilizing during elections. In order to enact change, Mayor Dinkins, who had worked in government for years before rising to become mayor, proved the importance of working within our democratic systems and structures.

As mayor, he was dedicated to serving all of New York’s many diverse populations and making his government as inclusive as possible. He appointed African-American, female, Hispanic and openly gay individuals to important posts. Mayor Dinkins was also determined to serve the interests of the city’s impoverished and underprivileged, including New York’s homeless populations.

“I intend to be the mayor of all the people of New York,” Mayor Dinkins said after his election. “This administration will never lead by dividing, by setting some of us against the rest of us or by favoring one group over others.” These are words with strong relevance and resonance for our current times.

Mayor Dinkins was a proud Howard alumnus who lived our values of truth and service. In all he did, both as mayor as well as in his life before and after rising to that position, he acted in accordance with the needs of those around him. As we prepare for the holiday of Thanksgiving, let us show our gratitude for the new ground that he broke during his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA
Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery
President