David Dinkins: A Gorgeous Mosaic (Trailer)

A new documentary by Jamal Joseph tells the story of the first Black Mayor of New York, David Dinkins. Dinkins began his career as a public servant under the tutelage of Raymond Jones–the first Black man to lead Tammany Hall. According to Dinkins, after his first win for the New York State Assembly he became “hooked” to public service. He later served as Borough President of Manhattan before becoming Mayor of New York.

Dinkins was part of the original “squad” with Percy Sutton, Charlie Rangel and Basil Peterson. The collective was known in New York as the Gang of Four and wielded a great deal of power in New York politics. The Gang of Four paved the way for leaders like current New York Mayor Eric Adams and former President of the United States, Barack Obama.

Dinkins passed away from natural causes in 2020 at the age of 83.