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Mayor Dinkins was not only NYC’s only Black mayor (so far), but he was a compassionate teacher. I’ve rarely shared this, but he (and Sharon @IRAASColumbiaU) was a HUGE encouraging factor as to why I continued to pursue my graduate studies.
A THREAD: 1/
A THREAD: 1/
I luckily got to take his class in grad school at Columbia. I was VERY pregnant and gave birth midway through the semester. I was a young mom, never married...and while so many people went out of their way to tell me my life was over, Mayor Dinkins let me know I belonged 2/
He showed me that being a parent and being in grad school was possible. He saved a seat at the table for me, since my pregnant belly couldn’t fit in the traditional desk. And when my newborn was 3 weeks old and I had to bring her to class, he let me know that was okay too. 3/
One time my princess started slightly fussing and I apologized for the interruption. The Mayor came up to me and gently said I should never apologize for my baby being a baby. This simple sentiment shifted my whole perspective. 4/
His response was the polar opposite of a econ professor (who studied family leave policies internationally!), yet did not allow my child in class. Mayor Dinkins chose compassion when he didn’t have to and that semester helped me begin to let go of the shame of being a 20yo mom 5/
In one of my most stressful moments - as a new mom who had been working full time at Target and a work study, writing a thesis, and finishing classes - Mayor Dinkins let me know that there was a place for me in the classroom. 6/
And that compassion was what I needed to get over the finish line for my MA. He fueled my interest in public policy and (along with @janicecooper196) encouraged me to apply for a position with the National Center for Children in Poverty, where I started my career. 7/
And when it was time for me to apply to law school, because of Mayor Dinkins I knew that there was a place for me, and my baby. And that place was @RutgersLaw. And when it came time for my PhD @RutgersSoc was welcoming to both of us. 8/
So today, NYC not only lost a titan of a leader, and a trailblazer in his own right. We also have lost a faithful public servant and committed educator who genuinely cared about people. #RIPMayorDinkins
Thank you for your service. /END
Thank you for your service. /END
