Joyce Dinkins

Joyce Elizabeth Dinkins ( Burrows; December 22, 1930 – October 10, 2020) was an American children's rights activist, literacy advocate, civil servant, and wife of former New York City mayor David Dinkins. She was the first lady of New York City from 1990 to 1993, becoming the city's first African American first lady in history. Dinkins was a proponent of child welfare, education, and literacy initiatives during her tenure.

Biography Early life Dinkins was born Joyce Elizabeth Burrows in Manhattan on December 22, 1930.

Back in New York, Joyce Dinkins initially planned to become a social worker, but deferred her career plans once her children, David N. Dinkins Jr. and Donna Dinkins, reached elementary school. She considered herself as her husband's partner, rather than an advisor, saying, "I give my opinions. I can’t say he always accepts them." Dinkins was survived by her two children, David N. Dinkins Jr. and Donna Dinkins Hoggard, and two grandchildren. The Dinkins were longtime members of the Church of the Intercession, an Episcopal church in Upper Manhattan.