The Inez Dickens I Know

By Rev. Dr. Carl L Washington Jr.
Pastor of the New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Harlem
President, Empire Baptist Missionary Convention of New York

Councilwoman, State Assemblywoman, Activist, and most important, Christian — Inez E Dickens. As her pastor, I know Inez and what a joy it is. This woman, my congregant, renders great service to the community she loves dearly.

Councilwoman, State Assemblywoman, Activist, and most important, Christian — Inez E Dickens. As her pastor, I know Inez and what a joy it is. This woman, my congregant, renders great service to the community she loves dearly.

Her passion for the people in the Village of Harlem and her constituents in the 70th District amazes me. More than a politician, she is a powerful force for the rights and dignity of those she serves. Her main concern is to see her beloved Harlem thrive and prosper.

As a member of the New Mount Zion Church, Assemblywoman Dickens is a constant source of inspiration for young people of what God can do if you trust Him. Inez Dickens, a giant in diminutive form, fights with the ferociousness of a lioness for her cubs.

And she is ubiquitous. Her constituents know her. After all, Harlem is her lifelong home. During her most recent election campaign, though faced with a formidable opponent, Inez prevailed through the support of Harlem’s faith community.

One could pronounce the title of Dean of Harlem Political Leadership on Ms. Dickens and she learned from the best. Leaders like her father and mentor, the late Harlem businessman and New York State Assemblyman Lloyd E. Dickens; and her uncle, the late Assemblyman and State Supreme Court Justice Thomas K. Dickens; and the legendary Harlem Gang of Four, Percy Sutton, David Dinkins, and Basil Paterson, and Charlie Rangel. Unselfish and unashamed, she stands strong as she fights for what is right for community and country.

In leadership and values, Inez is the bridge that connects the victories of the past to the hope of the future. She is a mentor to a new emerging leadership of Harlem elected officials! Names like NYS Senators Hon. Cordell Cleare, Hon Robert Jackson, and Assemblyman Rev. Al Taylor among others. The key to the future lies in the ability to build upon the successes of those who came before us!

I am honored to have her serve with me in ministry to the masses as she answered the call of God for her life and said like Isaiah, “Here am I send me.”

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