NYC's First and Only Black Mayor David Dinkins, Dead at 93

David Dinkins, New York City's first and only black mayor, died at 93 of apparent natural causes in his NYC apartment. A health aide found Dinkins inside his Upper East Side home unresponsive on Monday night. This comes a little over a month after Dinkins's wife, Joyce Dinkins, passed away. 

Originally from Trenton, NJ, Dinkins began his foray into politics as an assemblyman in Harlem in 1966 after briefly practicing law. Soon after, Dinkins served as President of the Board of Elections and City Clerk before winning election as Manhattan Borough President in 1985. Dinkins went on to win the mayoral race in 1989 by the slimmest margin in history - 47,000 votes and served from 1990-93.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said in the wake of Dinkins's passing, "The example Mayor David Dinkins set for all of us shines brighter than the most powerful lighthouse imaginable. For decades, Mayor Dinkins lead with compassion and an unparalleled commitment to our communities. His deliberative and graceful demeanor belied his burning passion for challenging the inequalities that plague our society." James continued, “Personally, Mayor Dinkins' example was an inspiration to me from my first run for city council to my campaigns for public advocate and attorney general. I was honored to have him hold the bible at my inaugurations because I, and others, stand on his shoulders."

Source: nbcnewyork.com