New York City's first lady - Joyce Dinkins

NEW YORK CITY'S First Lady

Joyce Dinkins exhibits qualities that aren't too common in political circles. She's a rare combination of warmth, humor, quiet dignity and strength that immediately reminds you of "Mom." In the nine months since her husband, David, became New York's first African-American mayor, she's won enthusiastic admirers, especially among sisters. Whenever this first lady arrives at a gathering with a sizable number of Black women, she walks to the accompaniment of approving smiles and nods. We seem to sit taller and straighter when she takes her place on a dais.

In a way Dinkins, who describes herself as "reserved, but not shy," symbolizes our entrance into one of the highest political offices in this country and the hard work and grace that we continue to bring to these jobs. "We've arrived" is the unspoken message that Dinkin's presence brings.

The role of first lady has catapulted Dinkins into the limelight from her private, comfortable life as mother of two, grandmother of two and former $57,000-a-year coordinator in the state tax office. She is the first woman to live in Gracie Mansion, the 191-year-old mayoral residence, in 12 years (three-term mayor Edward Koch was a bachelor) and the first African-American woman ever to live there. Since the election, Dinkins and the mayor, who have been married for 37 years, have moved out of their modest Harlem apartment and settled into the sprawling 16-room mansion, which came complete with its own museum. What does Dinkins think of her expansive new quarters?

"It's a beautiful house, and I'm really having fun," she says. "I have to look at this as home or I wouldn't enjoy it."

Though sweet-tempered, Dinkins would certainly be described as politically savvy and understanding of what a life dedicated to public service involves. However, she admits, "When the phone rings here in the middle of the night, I always feel that something serious has happened."

Her late father, a New York state assemblyman, was the one who convinced his son-in-law to enter politics. And Joyce Dinkins herself was a civil servant for more than ten years. So how has her life changed? Well, before the election, commuting for Dinkins meant a 45-minute subway ride downtown to work. Today she simply walks downstairs to her office in the mansion, where she maps out her agenda with her two assistants and handles the many requests that come her way (according to her press officer, Kim Mayner, a full U.S. Mail bag arrives at the mansion each day).

As is typical of many wives of high-profile politicians, Dinkins is in constant demand as a speaker or honored guest at a never-ending round of civic and social functions. But for her there's much more to being the city's first lady than ribbon-cuttings, photo opportunities and living an otherwise cushy lifestyle. Like the spouses of those of the 68 Black female mayors and the 245 Black male mayors who are married, Joyce Dinkins is making a difference in the city she represents.

"I feel that I have a unique opportunity to make a difference in New York City," she says. "My primary concern is with children and families. There's been quite a breakdown in the family in recent years, and I'd love to see families come back into their own."

Her hands-on commitment to these issues finds her regularly visiting public elementary schools, day-care centers and hospitals to familiarize herself with the challenges facing our families today. Two projects she is focusing on are designed to combat illiteracy.

"I feel it's so important to be able to read," Dinkins says. "It's the foundation for so many other things. Schools need to put more emphasis on reading, but I think families need to be involved too." She's lent her support to the New York City Public Library's Read-Loud program and recently launched a Reading Is Recreation program that brings a bus-load of grade-school students from different boroughs to the mansion lawn to hear her and other celebrities read stories to them. Each child receives a storybook and a reading list to take home after her visit.

Still other programs for women and their families have captured Dinkins's attention. "We're going to work to ensure quality day care for children," she explains, "so a mother who goes to work knows that her child is in a safe environment." Later this fall she will be the spokesperson for a return-to-school program that encourages school dropouts of all ages to go back and earn diplomas.

Mayor and Mrs. Dinkins constantly play host to presidents, prime ministers and celebrities from around the world - the most notable of whom are Nelson and Winnie Mandela, who recently stayed at the mansion during the New York portion of their United States tour.

With their busy schedules, Joyce Dinkins and the mayor have precious little time for quiet dinners or for visits with their adult children and beloved grandchildren, Jamal, 4, and Kalila, 8 months - though they make an effort to see them whenever possible. The couple's affection is apparent to anyone who sees Dinkins with her husband, who still calls her "my bride," even though the "groom" is trailed by an ever-present entourage of security guards, aides, city officials and favor-seekers.

In the mayor's first months in office, the city faced budget, crime, drug and education crises that are par for the course in a major American city. But New York also faces a rising tide of ugly racial confrontations that have made headlines across the nation and rained criticism on the mayor's head.

From the start Joyce Dinkins was prepared for stinging comments about the mayor's performance. "I can't let it bother me," she says calmly. "When someone's a public official, there are always going to be those who critize him. If I feel it's unfair, I get a little concerned. But on the whole, you have to learn to take these things in stride." If not, she adds, "you can't survive in the political world."

With each month that she's "in office," Joyce Dinkins is proving not only that she can survive in this most chaotic of political arenas but also that she can thrive. Her vision for the citizens of New York City is far-reaching, but Dinkins feels it's doable. For sisters who have a public role to play, Dinkins is a great example and a tough act to follow.

PHOTO : Dinkins promotes literacy by reading to public-school students each week.

PHOTO : Top: Press officer Kim Mayner, Dinkins and assistant Monica Guglielmo update the day's plans. Above: A stolen moment with the mayor on the mansion lawn.

Elsie B. Washington is senior writer at ESSENCE.

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