Media Statement: Foundation mourns the passing of friend, former New York Mayor David Dinkins
Date: 27 November 2020
From: Nelson Mandela Foundation
This week the Nelson Mandela Foundation is mourning the loss of another friend, former Mayor of New York City David Dinkins. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
“Mayor Dinkins was a friend to Madiba and to the Foundation through thick and thin,” said Foundation Chief Executive Sello Hatang. “He always took our calls, and was always there when we needed him.”
Dinkins was the first black Mayor of New York, and had not been in office long when he hosted Madiba in the City during the latter’s first visit to the United States shortly after his release from prison in 1990. Dinkins had been a prominent activist both in the civil rights movement in the States and in the Anti-Apartheid Movement.
“He had the same quiet dignity and warm humour as Madiba,” said Hatang. “A wonderful human being. We will never forget his contributions in so many areas and so many struggles.”
[ENDS]
Media Enquiries:
Kneo Mokgopa
kneom@nelsonmandela.org
+27 76 420 1910
Image: David Dinkins (far right) at a fundraiser in New York City.