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Categories: Articles, Audrey Bernard,
JAZZ MOBILE
On a beautiful and glorious Wednesday evening, July 10, 2024, The Office of Council Member Shaun Abreu and the David N. Dinkins Family co-hosted a private ceremony to celebrate the 97th Birthday of David N Dinkins, the 106th Mayor of New York City, and the street co-naming in his honor at Riverside Church in Harlem, New York.
Guests gathered in one of the meeting rooms in the handsome church, where they enjoyed delicious food and beverages before the start of the pristine program presided over by Robin Bell-Stevens, Director & Executive Producer, Jazzmobile, who introduced Senior Minister Rev. Adriene Thorne, who offered blessings to the Dinkins family. The moving program was filled with many powerful remarks and fond memories about Dinkins, including Council member Shaun Abreu, who was one of the architects of the street naming. Also, elected officials Attorney General Letitia James and City Council President Adrienne Adams spoke, and each speaker credited Dinkins with having an important impact on their political trajectory.
One of the most emotional remarks was delivered by Mayor Eric Adams, who admiringly refers to himself as Dinkins 2 (the second Black mayor of NYC). In his poignant remarks, Adams said: “I’ve said it before, but there would be no Mayor Adams if it weren’t for Mayor David Dinkins. I am so honored to speak at today’s street co-naming to remind our city of his impact — much of what we’re doing today is modeled after his vision for taking care of New Yorkers in this “gorgeous mosaic. He had so much drive to move this city in the right direction; how fitting this street sign – David Dinkins Drive – reflects that. Happy heavenly birthday, my friend.” He received a standing ovation before departing.
Following his departure, a heartfelt unveiling sign video by David Jr. was played, and more remarks were delivered by family members David Dinkins (son), Donna Dinkins-Hoggard (daughter), Jazz great Jay Hoggard (son-in-law), Jamal Hoggard (grandson), Kalila Hoggard (granddaughter). The program ended with David Jr. thanking and praising his sister, Donna, for assisting in organizing this event. “Mom (Joyce) & Dad (David) would be very proud of you,” he said before kissing her.
Other guests included Congressman Charles B. Rangel, NAACP President Hazel N. Dukes, NAACP Mid-Manhattan President Kyndell A. Reid, Esq., Assemblymember Inez Dickens, Deputy Borough President Keisha Sutton-James (Percy Sutton’s daughter), Karen Pierce Sutton, (Percy Sutton’s daughter-in-law), and Michelle D. Stent, Project Manager, Hon. Charles B. Rangel.
(Photo captions credit: Robin Bell-Stevens. Photo credit: Hubert Williams
