Wife of late Brooklyn DA donates his suits to ex-offenders

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced on February 8, that he, along with Lu-Shawn Thompson, the widow of late District Attorney Ken Thompson, would be joining forces with various local organization for the “Suited for Success” men’s suit drive. The drive benefits men recently released from Rikers Island Prison Complex by giving them business  clothes for them to wear as the search for new jobs.

Thompson has donated 20 of her late husband’s suits, as well as dress shirts, shoes and ties to the drive. “It is my hope and prayer that this clothing helps someone land their first significant job, obtain independence or even improve their self-esteem,” she said. Thompson believes that her husband’s legacy can now live on through the men who will receive his clothing and hopefully better their lives.

Acting D.A. Gonzalez said, “The late District Attorney Ken Thompson firmly believed in fairness and second chances. With today’s generous donation of his personal professional wardrobe, DA Thompson’s legacy continues on and ex-offenders are given an opportunity to present their best self as they seek gainful employment.”

In addition to the D.A.’s office and the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, the “Suited for Success” drive is also sponsored by the NAACP-Mid Manhattan Branch Criminal Justice Committee as well as “100 Suits for 100 Men,” a not-for-profit that looks to assist ex-offenders in finding work as a way to reduce repeat offending.

So far 65 suits and more than 200 items of apparel have been collected. For those interested in donating, final collections will be taking place on Friday, February 10 at the D.A.’s office, 350 Jay Street, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Items can be left in the lobby between those times. To donate at a different time of the day, or for more info, email communityaffairs@brooklynda.org.