David Dinkins (1927 – 2020), NYC’s only Black mayor
David Dinkins was the first and, to date, only Black mayor of New York City.Dinkins began a career as a lawyer in 1956, and he served as president of the New York City Board of Elections from 1972 to 1973 and New York City Clerk from 1975 to 1985. In 1985, he was elected Manhattan borough president, serving until his election as mayor in 1989.