With the help of some of Dinkins’ closest advisers and Dinkins himself, Errol explores the mayor’s journey from the Manhattan Borough President’s Office to his successful campaign facing longtime incumbent Ed Koch and Rudy Giuliani.
When David Dinkins took office on January 1, 1990, as New York City’s first African American mayor, he promised to bring the divided city together. But his administration faced a host of problems, from racial tensions and concerns about public safety to a budget deficit. From the perspective of Dinkins and his top advisers, Errol delves into Dinkins’ time in office, the challenges he faced and some of the administration’s high points, including Nelson Mandela’s visit to the city.
After a turbulent four years in office, David Dinkins was forced to wage a tough re-election fight against rival Rudy Giuliani. And, three decades after Dinkins first took office, Errol explores the former mayor’s legacy.
Errol Louis is the Political Anchor of Spectrum News NY1, where he hosts "Inside City Hall," a nightly prime-time show that focuses on New York politics, and "You Decide," a podcast featuring intimate conversations with the people who are shaping the future of New York and beyond.
Dinkins made history when he was sworn in as New York City's first African American mayor. He served from 1990 to 1993 as the 106th mayor of New York City. Dinkins began his political career by serving in the state Assembly. He also served as Manhattan Borough President.
Rangel served in the House of Representatives from 1971 to 2017. He and Dinkins were two members of “Harlem’s Gang of Four," an African American political coalition, which also included Basil Paterson and Percy Sutton.
Rangel appeared on "You Decide" in 2019. Listen to it here:
Charles Rangel: The Lion of Lenox Avenue Tells His Harlem Story
Turk was a senior policy adviser on criminal justice issues in the Manhattan Borough President’s Office. She also worked on the campaign, and in the administration, she was appointed deputy director of the NYC Office of Management and Budget. She now works at the city’s Administration for Children’s Services.
Steisel previously worked for both John Lindsay and Ed Koch before Dinkins brought him on as First Deputy Mayor.
Winston Griffith was a Dinkins campaign volunteer. He is now the executive director of the Brooklyn Movement Center.
Gaspard worked as a staffer in the Manhattan Borough President’s Office before joining the campaign. He went on to serve as White House political director under President Obama, and was appointed the ambassador to South Africa.
Gaspard appeared on "You Decide" in 2019. Listen to it here:
Patrick Gaspard: How a Start in NY Politics Led to a Job as Obama’s Political Director
De Blasio was a campaign volunteer on Dinkins’ campaign and then worked as an aide in the administration, where he met his now-wife, Chirlane McCray.
Fife worked with Dinkins in the Manhattan Borough President’s Office as a senior adviser and acting chief of staff. She later was deputy mayor for planning and development once Dinkins took office.
Sunshine was deputy campaign manager and then took on the role of chief of staff once Dinkins was elected to office. He went on to launch and run the public relations agency Sunshine Sachs.
