Jamaica, NY – Speaker Adrienne Adams today joined school community leaders, local elected officials, parents, and students to celebrate the official renaming of PS 48Q as The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service. In 2021, the New York City Department of Education approved the renaming of PS 48Q after former Mayor Dinkins, the first African American Mayor of New York City. Led by Patricia Mitchell, who served as Principal of PS 48Q for 14 years, a group of school leaders, teachers, and parents agreed to honor Mayor Dinkins and his lifelong legacy of public service.
The stated vision of The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service is to “build leaders who are well-rounded and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve community issues, leading scholars to become change agents in our ever-evolving global society.” By renaming the school in honor of former Mayor David N. Dinkins, the school community and students will strive to exemplify the legacy set by its namesake.
Photos from the school renaming ceremony are available here.
“Mayor David N. Dinkins was a trailblazing, inspirational, and honorable leader in our city whose commitment to a more just and equitable world never wavered,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “He devoted his life to public service and improving the communities that make up the “Gorgeous Mosaic” that is New York City. By renaming PS 48Q in his honor, our community is uplifting Mayor Dinkins’ legacy and ensuring that the next generation of leaders will be inspired to serve their communities. I am grateful for the leadership of District 28 Superintendent Dr. Tammy Pate, Principal Joan Stanley-Duvernay, CEC 28 President Vijah Ramjattan, and former Principal Patricia Mitchell, whose vision and dedication made this historic day possible.”
“Mayor David Dinkins was the kind of dedicated leader whose commitment to service will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. “His recognition of our great city as a ‘gorgeous mosaic’ is the lens through which we all ought to view the beauty of our differences, and use it as a catalyst for growth in our communities. It is an honor to help solidify his legacy within our great school system.”
“We are so proud to celebrate the life and leadership of Mayor David N. Dinkins,” said Dr. Tammy Pate, Superintendent of Community School District 28. “It is incredibly important for all institutions, and especially educational institutions, to hold the history and legacy of leaders who, through work and advocacy, seek to improve the lives of all people. How great an added gift that his work has the opportunity to also fan the flame of public service in our scholars. The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service will uphold Mayor Dinkins’ legacy for generations to come.”
“Today marks new beginnings for PS 48Q,” said Joan Stanley-Duvernay, Principal of PS 48Q. “The school now named The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service is positioned to impactfully improve the lives of the school community and the community at large. I am honored and humbled to be the principal of The David N. Dinkins School, and we will work to keep his legacy alive.”
“My vision for renaming PS 48Q was grounded in service to the community,” said Patricia Mitchell, former Principal of PS 48Q. “We honor the legacy that David Dinkins left, by our commitment to excellence in education. His legacy will live on as we continue to serve this community.”
“The name of a school must serve as a compass to guide little scholars in directions they never dreamed of going,” said Vijah Ramjattan, President of Community Education Council (CEC) District 28. “I congratulate the PS 48Q team on taking the right step to rename their school after a prominent leader, David N. Dinkins, who led an exemplary life of service. I am confident that current and future scholars who pass through the doors of PS 48Q will be inspired to choose a life dedicated to public service and serve like Dinkins did – without reservation.”
“Renaming PS 48Q the David N. Dinkins School is a perfect nomenclature, given that the Honorable David N. Dinkins was always a fighter and striver to do better for self and community,” said Dorothy Cush, who taught at PS 48Q for 32 years. “With a unique style, his life epitomized that spirit and tenacity which permeates PS 48Q. The school’s mission for the children, community, and staff is sometimes underestimated or undervalued, but its deliberate and focused goals allow it to shine with style and purpose in South Jamaica, much like the first African American Mayor to serve NYC, David Dinkins!”
About Mayor David N. Dinkins
David Norman Dinkins served as the 106th Mayor of the City of New York. He was elected as the city’s first African American Mayor and took office on January 1, 1990. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Dinkins graduated from Trenton Central High School, Howard University, and Brooklyn Law School. A recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, he served as a United States Marine during World War II. Prior to being elected Mayor, Dinkins served in the New York State Assembly in 1966 and later as the Manhattan Borough President from 1985 to 1989. During his tenure as Mayor, Dinkins created the Beacon Schools program, the Civilian Complaint Review Board, and the “Safe Streets, Safe City” plan. He was responsible for securing a 99-year deal with the USTA National Tennis Center, revitalizing Times Square, and rehabilitating housing in New York City. Mayor Dinkins passed away in November 2020.
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