Mary Pinkett facts for kids

Mary Pinkett (born Glover) (September 8, 1926 – December 4, 2003) was an important leader in New York City. She served on the New York City Council for many years, from 1974 to 2001. She represented two different areas, the 28th and 35th districts. Mary Pinkett made history as the very first black woman to be a member of the New York City Council.

Growing Up and Early Work

Mary Pinkett grew up in a part of Brooklyn called Crown Heights. She had a sister named Loretta. As a young adult, Mary went to night classes at Brooklyn College. She worked hard to earn her college degree. Later, she moved to another Brooklyn neighborhood, Clinton Hill.

Before becoming a politician, Mary Pinkett worked for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. She also became very involved in helping workers. She became the President of a union for social services employees. A union is a group that helps workers get fair pay and good working conditions. She also became a Vice President for a larger group of unions.

Serving on the New York City Council

Mary Pinkett decided to get involved in politics after attending a big meeting for the Democratic Party in 1972. In 1973, she ran for a spot on the New York City Council. This was a new area, or "district," that had just been created. She won the election and became the first black woman ever elected to the City Council.

Mary Pinkett served on the City Council for a long time, a total of 28 years! She represented the 28th district for 18 years. Then, she represented the 35th district for 10 years. Because of a new rule about how long politicians could serve (called a term limit), she could not run for re-election in 2001. She retired from her role. The person who took her place was James E. Davis, whom she supported.

What Mary Pinkett Achieved

As a councilwoman, Mary Pinkett helped pass an important law called a whistleblower law. This law protects city employees who report bad or illegal things happening at work. She was also a strong supporter of workers' rights. She helped retired city employees get important health benefits, like Medicare Part B.

Mary Pinkett also worked to improve her Brooklyn district. She helped with projects like the Atlantic Village Housing, which helped make homes better for people. She was part of many different groups, or "committees," within the City Council. She led important committees that focused on city workers, older people, and how the government runs.

Later Life and Remembering Mary Pinkett

Mary Pinkett passed away on December 4, 2003, due to heart failure. Many people in New York were sad to hear of her death, including the mayor at the time, Michael Bloomberg.

To honor her, a lecture hall at CUNY Medgar Evers College was named the Mary Pinkett Lecture Hall. She was a big supporter of the City University of New York system. In 2013, a street in Brooklyn, Washington Avenue, was also renamed Mary Pinkett Avenue. This was done to remember her important contributions to the city.