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Joyce Dinkins

1930 – 2020

American children's rights activist, literacy advocate, civil servant

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About Joyce Dinkins

Lived 1930 – 2020 (aged 89). Joyce Dinkins was an American social worker, civil servant and activist.

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.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
Howard University
Also known as
Joyce Elizabeth Dinkins

Family & relationships

Spouse
David Dinkins

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Joyce Dinkins's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Joyce Dinkins?

American children's rights activist, literacy advocate, civil servant

When was Joyce Dinkins born?

Joyce Dinkins was born on 22 December 1930 in Manhattan.

When did Joyce Dinkins die?

Joyce Dinkins died on 11 October 2020 in Manhattan.

What was Joyce Dinkins's occupation?

Joyce Dinkins was a social worker, civil servant and activist.

What nationality was Joyce Dinkins?

Joyce Dinkins was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Joyce Dinkins

· Wikidata: Q105722862

· DBpedia: Joyce Dinkins

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Joyce Dinkins. https://biography.guide/joyce-dinkins/

MLA: "Joyce Dinkins." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/joyce-dinkins/.

Chicago: "Joyce Dinkins." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/joyce-dinkins/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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