1964-1990 – Activities in New York

In 1964, Dr. Simpkins moved his family to New York to ensure their safety. After establishing a new dental practice on Long Island, he broadened his role in the nation’s Civil Rights Movement without experiencing the intimidation that occurred in Shreveport. He took on the role of vice-chairman of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

While in New York, Dr. Simpkins helped expand educational opportunities for tens of thousands of New Yorkers who, more than likely, would not have been able to secure a college/university education. Dr Simpkins was active in the formation and establishment of the York College of the City University of New York. Sited in Jamaica, Queens, York College provides urban residents with greatly improved access to higher educational resources which have flourished to this day. Established in 1966 with an entering class of 371 students, York College currently enrolls well over 8,000 students across liberal arts, career and professional programs on a modern 50-acre campus.