NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Current and former elected leaders and luminaries are reacting to news of the passing of former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins . Dinkins died Monday at the age of 93. He was New York City’s first – and to date only – Black mayor. More : David Dinkins, New York City’s Only Black Mayor, Dead At 93 “Chirlane and I are mourning a truly great man. David Dinkins simply set this city on a better path,” Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted. “He was my friend, and his steadfast commitment to fight for that ‘gorgeous mosaic’ inspires me every single day. We’ll keep up his fight.” Chirlane and I are mourning a truly great man. David Dinkins simply set this city on a better path. He was my mentor, he was my friend, and his steadfast commitment to fight for that “gorgeous mosaic” inspires me every single day. We’ll keep up his fight. pic.twitter.com/gL0yY8Ae9s — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) November 24, 2020 “I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mayor David Dinkins, and to the many New Yorkers who loved and supported him,” wrote former Mayor Rudy Giuliani , who defeated Dinkins and succeeded him in office. “He gave a great deal of his life in service to our great city. That service is respected and honored by all.” FLASHBACK : Manhattan Municipal Building Renamed For Former NYC Mayor David Dinkins I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Mayor David Dinkins, and to the many New Yorkers who loved and supported him. He gave a great deal of his life in service to our great City. That service is respected and honored by all. — Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) November 24, 2020 Former Mayor Mike Bloomberg wrote Dinkins, by winning in 1989, “helped New York City turn an important corner in racial equality.” “He entered City Hall at a difficult time in New York’s history, and he helped set the city on a course for success — and a reduction in crime that no one at the time imagined possible,” Bloomberg wrote. He entered City Hall at a difficult time in New York’s history, and he helped set the city on a course for success – and a reduction in crime – that no one at the time imagined possible. — Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) November 24, 2020 “He was always generous to me during my time in office, for which I was grateful — and I took every opportunity to remind people that mayors after him stood on his shoulders and built on his legacy,” Bloomberg added. “Today, while others may remember his distinguished and courtly demeanor, I will always remember a man, a Marine, a mayor and a friend who was deeply proud of his service to his city and country — and rightly so.” Today, while others may remember his distinguished and courtly demeanor, I will always remember a man, a Marine, a mayor and a friend who was deeply proud of his service to his city and country – and rightly so. — Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) November 24, 2020 New York Attorney General Letitia James mourned Dinkins as “an inspiration,” saying his example “shines brighter than the most powerful lighthouse imaginable.” Here’s her full statement: 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. 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. The voice that gave birth to the ‘gorgeous mosaic’ is now at rest. New York will mourn Mayor Dinkins and continue to be moved by his towering legacy. State Senator Brian Benjamin remembered Dinkins as a “true gentleman.” “[Mayor David Dinkins] would always tell me: ‘When you go out there young man know that you are also representing Harlem and Black America so always be thoughtful, honest and respectful towards everybody whether you like them or not,’” Benjamin wrote. “Rest in Power Sir. True gentleman.” #MayorDavidDinkins would always tell me: “When you go out there young man know that you are also representing Harlem and Black America so always be thoughtful, honest and respectful towards everybody whether you like them or not.” Rest in Power Sir. True gentleman. pic.twitter.com/fhanBgfJKA — Senator Brian Benjamin (@NYSenBenjamin) November 24, 2020 Check back soon for more on this developing story. MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK Cash Rules: New York City Businesses To Face $1,000 Fine For Failing To Accept Dollars, Coins As Payment COVID In NYC: Staten Island Getting Emergency Coronavirus Treatment Facility As More Restrictions Loom Swingers Party With More Than 80 People In Attendance Busted In Queens
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Local Leaders And Luminaries Mourn Passing Of David Dinkins, A ‘Truly Great Man’