The First Black Mayor of New York, David Dinkins, Is a Member of Alpha Phi Alpha

Did you know that the first Black Mayor of New York, David Dinkins is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha?

Dinkins crossed the Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha at Howard University in 1948 where he graduated cum laude with a degree in mathematics in 1950.

Here is a picture of the Beta Chapter in 1950. David Dinkins is on the far left and Andrew Young, the man who would become the mayor of Atlanta, is the 6th brother from the right.

Dinkins received his LL.B. from Brooklyn Law School in 1956 and started a private practice from 1956 to 1975 while he rose to the head of the Democratic party in Harlem.

In 1966, Dinkins briefly served as a member of the New York State Assembly (78th D.) and later served as the president of the New York City Board of Elections (1972–1973) and New York City Clerk (1975–1985). In 1985, he became the Manhattan borough president and on On November 7, 1989, Dinkins made history by being elected mayor of New York City, defeating Republican nominee Rudy Giuliani in the general election.

After serving as mayor Dinkins served as a Professor of Professional Practice in the Faculty of International and Public Affairs at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.

Dinkins, who is currently in his 90s, is a pride to his fraternity and in 2013 members of the Wall Street Alphas and the Beta Chapter Alumni Association (BCAA) hosted a special tribute to him at the Red Rooster Harlem. The event — entitled “An Alpha Man from Gotham” – brought together members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. across several generations to honor the legacy of Dinkins.

Check out this video the event below.

Video by Sun Chase Media

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