Ken Thompson’s widow donates late Brooklyn DA’s suits to ex-cons
The widow of late Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson donated several of her husband's suits to former convicts who are trying to re-enter society.
The widow of late Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson donated several of her husband’s suits to former convicts who are trying to re-enter society.
“My husband, the late and great Ken Thompson, would be happy to know 20 of his suits and related clothing have been passed on to the participants of this program,” Lu-Shawn Benbow-Thompson said during a press conference.
The donation was made as part of an initiative with the Metropolitan Black Bar Association that is making an effort to clothe men who have recently been released from Rikers Island. Benbow-Thompson joined with acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez to partner with the nonprofit 100 Suits for 100 Men for this initiative.
“The responsibility of a district attorney’s office is of course to keep people safe, but in the pursuit of safety one has to also measure justice, second chances … Ken Thompson was very committed to do this work,” said Gonzalez.
Benbow-Thompson donated ninety-two items of Thompson’s clothing, including 20 suits, 22 shirts, 40 ties and 10 pairs of shoes.
“The young people who will receive these suits will know about the greatness they’re walking in,” said Kevin Livingston, the founder of 100 Suits for 100 Men.
“My hope and prayer is that this clothing helps someone land their first significant job, obtain independence or even improve their self-esteem,” said Benbow-Thompson.
