Local elected officials, community leaders, parents and students on Thursday, Oct. 6, celebrated the official renaming of P.S. 48Q in Jamaica as The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service.
In 2021, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) approved the renaming of P.S. 48Q, located at 108-29 155th St., after former Mayor Dinkins, the first African American Mayor of New York City. Led by Patricia Mitchell, who served as Principal of P.S. 48Q for 14 years, a group of school leaders, teachers and parents agreed to honor Dinkins and his lifelong legacy of public service.
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“My vision for renaming P.S. 48Q was grounded in service to the community,” Mitchell said. “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 school’s vision 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 Dinkins, the school community and students will strive to exemplify the legacy set by its namesake.
P.S. 48Q Principal Joan Stanley-Duvernay, said it’s a new beginning for the school.
“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,” Stanley-Duvernay said.
New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks referred to Dinkins as a “kind dedicated leader” whose commitment to service will inspire generations to come.
“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,” Banks said.
Mayor Eric Adams described Dinkins as a visionary, who was also his friend and mentor.
“When the students of PS 48Q in Jamaica enter the newly-named David N. Dinkins School for Community Service, they’ll be inspired by his legacy for years to come,” Adams said.
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City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said Dinkins was a “trailblazing, inspirational and honorable leader” in New York City whose commitment to a more just and equitable world never wavered.
“He devoted his life to public service and improving the communities that make up the ‘Gorgeous Mosaic’ that is New York City,’” Adams said. “By renaming P.S. 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.”
Adams said she is grateful for the leadership of Stanley-Duvernay, Mitchell, District 28 Superintendent Dr. Tammy Pate and CEC 28 President Vijah Ramjattan, whose vision and dedication made the historic day possible.
“We are so proud to celebrate the life and leadership of Mayor David N. Dinkins,” Pate said. “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.”
Ramjattan congratulated the P.S. 48Q team on renaming their school after a prominent leader who led an exemplary life of service.
“The name of a school must serve as a compass to guide little scholars in directions they never dreamed of going,” Ramjattan said. “I am confident that current and future scholars who pass through the doors of P.S. 48Q will be inspired to choose a life dedicated to public service and serve like Dinkins did – without reservation.”
Dorothy Cush, who taught at P.S. 48Q for 32 years, said renaming the school The David N. Dinkins School is a perfect nomenclature, given that Dinkins was always a fighter and striver to do better for self and community.
“With a unique style, his life epitomized that spirit and tenacity which permeates P.S. 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!” Cush said.