February 19, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This coming Monday, February 22nd, I am hosting a special virtual event in honor of Black History Month, to celebrate the countless achievements of African Americans and to recognize their vital role in the history of this nation. We will have the distinct pleasure of hearing from Cheryl Wills as the Keynote Speaker for the evening. Ms. Wills is a nationally recognized award-winning television personality for Spectrum News’ flagship national news network. The celebrations will be moderated by Ruschell Boone - a three time Emmy nominated and award-winning reporter and anchor at Spectrum News NY1. This event will also honor several members of the Black community with special recognition for their incredible contributions to Queens County. We look forward to hosting everyone as we celebrate the rich culture of African Americans in our City. I hope you will join us! The festivities begin at 6pm via Zoom and you can find the details listed in the flyer at the bottom of this email. Please register in advance by clicking here.

In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

In The Courts

Car wash employee charged with vehicular homicide and drunk driving in death of woman struck while walking to her just-cleaned auto.

Information Needed

This past Tuesday marked eight years since Marisha Cheong's body was discovered in Breezy Point - two months after she was reported missing. Her family continues searching for answers. As part of our weekly call for help, I am asking for any information regarding her death. Contact NYPD Crimestoppers with any information - no matter how insignificant the details may seem.

Discussing Criminal Justice Reform

I had the opportunity to sit down with Errol Louis on Inside City Hall this week to discuss the direction of the criminal justice system in Queens County and beyond, having just wrapped up my first year in office. I was also able to highlight a series of reform measures this Office has established under my administration, which includes the borough's first Conviction Integrity Unit and The Rehabilitation Programs and Restorative Services Bureau. You may watch the interview in full by clicking here.

Celebrating Lunar New Year

It was a pleasure hosting our 2021 Lunar New Year celebration yesterday evening, complete with guest speakers, honorees, and special performances. While this year's celebration was very different from what we are all accustomed to, I never lose faith that the Year of the Ox will bring good fortune, happiness, and health. If you missed the virtual event, you may watch it in full on our Facebook page by clicking here.

Paying Tribute to our Black Military Heroes

Our Community Partnerships Division was on-site to honor local Black military leaders during a recent Black History Month celebration by the American Legion Post 483 in Rosedale. The event paid homage to our local Black military heroes who are proud to call Southeast Queens their home. We thank them for their service and never forget their sacrifice.

Promoting Family Harmony

Garden of Hope - an organization that provides services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking - recently hosted a workshop for community members and leaders, titled "Family Harmony in Pandemic." The workshop, held in partnership with my office, helped to raise awareness of domestic violence and provided resources for those who need help. This Office's Domestic Violence Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call 718-286-4410. We're here to help.

Celebrating Black History