Mary Pinkett

Mary Pinkett (née Glover) 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.

Mary Pinkett
Member of the New York City Council from the 35th District
In office January 1, 1992 – December 31, 2001
Preceded by	Jerome X. O'Donovan
Succeeded by	James E. Davis
Member of the New York City Council from the 28th District
In office January 1, 1974 – December 31, 1991
Preceded by	None (district created)
Succeeded by	Thomas White Jr.
Personal details
Born	1931 Brooklyn, New York
Died	December 4, 2003(2003-12-04) (aged 71–72)
Cause of death	Heart failure
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	William Pinkett
Alma mater	Brooklyn College

Early life and career

Pinkett grew up in Crown Heights with her sister Loretta. As a young adult, Pinkett attended night classes Brooklyn College in order to receive her Bachelor's degree and later moved to Clinton Hill.[1] She worked for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation before become involved in organized labor.[2] Pinkett would eventually become President of Social Services Employees Union, Local 371 and Vice President of District Council 37.[1]

New York City Council

After attending the 1972 Democratic National Convention in Miami, Florida, Pinkett ran for New York City Council's newly created 28th District in 1973 and won. She was the first black woman to be elected to the City Council. She would go on to serve in the City Council for 28 years, representing the 28th District for 18 years and the 35th District for 10 years. Due to a new term limit law, Pinkett was unable to run for re-election in 2001 and retired.[3] Her successor, whom she endorsed, was James E. Davis. Davis would later be shot and killed in New York City Hall during his first term.

Pinkett's accomplishments as a councilwoman include leading the passage of a whistleblower law to protect city employees.[1] She was also a strong labor advocate within the City Council, notably obtaining the right for retired city employees to Medicare Part B [1] Pinkett also aided in the development of her Brooklyn district, including in the revitalization of Atlantic Village Housing.[4] 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.[4]

Death and legacy

On December 4, 2003, Pinkett died due to heart failure brought on by cancer, according to her nephew Derek Glover.[3] Her death was mourned by many New Yorkers, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg[5]

Mary Pinkett Lecture Hall in CUNY Medgar Evers College's Student Support Services Building is named after Pinkett.[6] She was a strong supporter of City University of New York.[7]

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.[2]

Electoral history

New York City Council District 35, 1997 Democratic Primary[8]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Mary Pinkett (incumbent)	5,326	52.71
	Democratic	Errol T. Louis	2,969	27.82
	Democratic	James E. Davis	2,079	19.48
Total votes			10,374	100

New York City Council District 35, 1997 General Election[9]

Party		Candidate	Votes	%
	Democratic	Mary Pinkett (incumbent)	11,275	60.36
	Conservative	James E. Davis	3,005
	Liberal	James E. Davis	2,013
	Total	James E. Davis	5,018	26.86
	Green	Errol T. Louis	1,595	8.54
	Republican	David Voyticky	666	3.57
	Independence	Luvenia Super	127	0.68
Total votes			18,681	100

References

1. "NYC Department of Records - City Hall Library Notes, February 2012". www.nyc.gov. Retrieved 2020-06-14.
2. "Mary Pinkett". Fort Greene-Clinton Hill, NY Patch. 2013-04-23. Retrieved 2020-06-14.
3. Tavernise, Sabrina (December 5, 2003). "Mary Pinkett, First Black Councilwoman, 72". The New York Times. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
4. "Passing of Community Monarch Mary Pinkett Mourned by Brookyn Community". Retrieved 2020-06-14.
5. "Statement by Mayor Bloomberg On the Death of Former Councilmember Mary Pinkett". The Official Website of the City of New York. 2003-12-04. Retrieved 2020-06-14.
6. "Buildings Facts". Medgar Evers College. Retrieved 2020-06-14.
7. "Paid Notice: Deaths PINKETT, MARY". The New York Times. 2003-12-10. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-06-14.
8. "NYC Council 35 - D Primary". Our Campaigns. 9 March 2005. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
9. "New York City Council 35". Our Campaigns. 2 Sep 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2020.

Political offices
Preceded by Newly created district	New York City Council, 28th District 1974–1991	Succeeded by Thomas White, Jr.
Preceded by Jerome X. O'Donovan	New York City Council, 35th District 1992–2001	Succeeded by James E. Davis