Mary Pinkett

Mary Pinkett (née Glover) (September 8, 1926 – December 4, 2003) served in the New York City Council from 1974 to 2001, representing the 28th and 35th districts. She was the first black New York City Councilwoman.

Early life and career Pinkett grew up in Crown Heights with her sister Loretta. As a young adult, Pinkett attended night classes at Brooklyn College to receive her Bachelor's degree and later moved to Clinton Hill. She worked for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation before becoming involved in organized labor. Pinkett would eventually become President of the Social Services Employees Union, Local 371 and Vice President of District Council 37. She served on many committees throughout her tenure, most notably as chair of the Civil Service and Labor Committee, the Committee on Aging, and the Committee of Governmental Operations. Her death was mourned by many New Yorkers, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Mary Pinkett Lecture Hall in CUNY Medgar Evers College's Student Support Services Building is named after Pinkett. She was a strong supporter of City University of New York.

In 2013, Washington Avenue in Brooklyn between Eastern Parkway and Lincoln Road was named Mary Pinkett Avenue in her honor by New York City Councilman Mathieu Eugene.