Harlem Week celebrates the life
of New York City’s first black mayor
A laundry list of elected officials gathered for Harlem Week’s celebration of David Dinkins.
BY DEAN MOSES
The Schomburg Center in Harlem
played a night of dedication and
memory to the late former Mayor
David Dinkins on Aug. 12.
A part of Harlem Week, the celebration
of the Big Apple’s fi rst black mayor was a
hybrid of virtual and in-person speakers
singing Dinkins’ praises on stage and cinema
screen. Akin to a movie premiere with
stars walking the red carpet, prominent
elected offi cials and civil rights activists
arrived to share their memories of a man
they believe does not receive enough credit
for his contributions.
Serving as a dedication mecca, the Schomburg
Center saw the likes of Democratic Mayoral
candidate Eric Adams, former Governor
David Paterson, Reverend Al Sharpton, and
many more. Prior to the event commencing
proper, the arriving public fi gures spoke to the
media, excitedly remembering a man who was
recognized as a cultural icon.
“The greatest thing about him is how well
he received people. The environment around
him was always one of service and he, just
as a human being, got along with everybody.
He must have gone to every event that was
ever held anywhere. In fact even though this
event is for him I wouldn’t be surprised if I
saw him,” former Governor Paterson said,
PHOTOS BY DEAN MOSES
gushing about Dinkins.
Presented by the Greater Harlem
Former Congressman Charles Rangel greets Public Advocate Jumaane
Williams.
Chamber of Commerce, the gala showered
attendees with glasses of wine and Hors
d’oeuvres before guests were whisked to
the facility for research in black culture’s
very own cinema. Here an amalgamation
of live and pre-recorded speeches honored
Dinkins who passed away in 2020.
“He put black folks and Harlem on the
map historically,” former Congressman
Charles Rangel said.
Civil rights leaders Hazel Dukes and
Sharpton also praised Dinkins for his
leadership, as well as speeches from those
who could not make the occasion, such as
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Attorney General
Letitia James were played on the movie
screen.
Viewers were also treated to a live
performance from Elijah Ahmad Lewis,
star of Ain’t Too Proud, who sang several
songs from the Broadway show and wowed
onlookers in the process.
With current Brooklyn Borough
President Eric Adams hoping to follow in
Dinkins footsteps and become the second
Black mayor, he shared just how much the
106th head of city means to him and the
community as a whole.
“It is extremely significant that he
was mayor in our city and really laid the
foundation that we stood on—it is David
Dinkins. His safe city, safe streets initiative
other people benefi ted from. History
was not kind to him, crime was dropping
under his administration, our economy was
recovering under his administration, the
few tragic incidents that took place and I
don’t believe we really allowed him to have
a second term,” Adams said. “He was not
only a good mayor, he was a friend, he was
a mentor for me and a mentor for my son,
and he just loved young people and inspired
them so I am happy to be here and to show
my respect for a man I really appreciate.”
Adams credits many lessons learned
through Dinkins’ mentorship and hopes
to make a historic path of his own if elected
mayor.
“This is about how you build a legacy.
Winners want the ball when the game is on
the line. The game is on the line, I want the
ball in my hand because I’m not going to
drop it. I’m going to make the city proud,”
Adams said.
Elijah Ahmad Lewis, star of Ain’t Too Proud, entertained the crowd with
musical renditions.
4 August 19, 2021 Schneps Media