BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — David Dinkins will visit Bed-Stuy next week to promote a new book about the former mayor's political life.
"A Mayor’s Life: Governing New York’s Gorgeous Mosaic" chronicles his time as a public servant, including as an assemblyman, Manhattan borough president and the first black mayor of New York City.
Dinkins will visit the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation on Feb. 1 for a book signing and a conversation about his life with his former chief of staff and Medgar Evers College Professor John Flateau.
"[T]here is no better Brooklyn venue for such an event than the historic Bed Stuy Restoration which has been at the heart of community development for nearly 50 years," read a statement from Dinkins.
"I'm also pleased to see so many of the individuals and organizations that I've known, respected and worked with over the years who are supporting the event.”
Dinkins served one term as mayor from 1990 until he was defeated in his reelection attempt by Rudy Giuliani in 1993. He rose to prominence as part of Harlem's "Gang of Four," a political powerhouse that included Charles Rangel, Basil Paterson and Percy Sutton.
During his four years as mayor, Dinkins was a polarizing figure. Supporters say his "Safe Streets, Safe City" program, an initiative to add more police officers to the NYPD, helped start a larger trend of safety in the city.
Mayor Bill de Blasio, a former Dinkins aide, praised the former mayor in his inauguration speech for "starting us on the road to a safer city."
But critics say Dinkins' tenure was defined by high crime and racial tension. Last year, Republican mayoral candidate Joe Lhota, who called Dinkins "divisive," warned that a victory for de Blasio would mark a return to that time.
David Dinkins will sign his book, "A Mayor's Life: Governing New York's Gorgeous Mosaic," at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 1, inside Restoration Plaza's Skylight Art Gallery, 1368 Fulton St. The event is free, and books will be sold at the signing.
