QUEENS, New York: Borough President and candidate for District Attorney Melinda Katz joined representatives from a diverse range of community organizations on Sunday for two separate rallies in support of her candidacy. Katz first joined leaders of the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society, the New American Voters Association, and the American Bangladeshi Business Alliance for an endorsement rally. Others at the event included former city councilman Archie Spigner and Mohammad Ali of the American Bangladesh Society.
Katz also attended a Global Diversity Rally in Richmond Hill with community leaders and elected officials throughout southern Queens. Councilwoman Adrienne Adams, Assemblyman David Weprin, former Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, and other leaders representing the South Asian community of Queens attended to express their support.
“These events were an ideal reminder of how richly diverse and supportive our borough is. In a place where residents speak over 180 different languages and come from over 200 countries, we need leaders who support this diversity. Throughout my time in public service representing Queens, I’ve learned what it takes to be an ally to the immigrant communities in our borough. As District Attorney, I will establish a separate hate crimes bureau, create an Immigrant Justice Unit to work across departments to ensure immigrants are treated fairly, and mandate immigrant-neutral pleas to avoid collateral consequences like deportation whenever possible. We need leaders who will work to build a strong and connected immigrant community, who will keep everyone safe from hate crimes and the threats coming out of Washington every day,” said Katz.
“Melinda has always worked hard to bring our community together and bring us into Borough Hall to make sure we are represented. She’ll be a strong partner as District Attorney, and I’m confident she will work hard to reform the office in a more just direction. She has my full support,” said Delwar Islam, president of the American Bangladeshi Business Alliance and founder/president of the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society .
Katz has a wide range of support from local elected officials and labor unions such as the New York Hotel Trades Council, 32BJ SEIU, and IUOE Local 15. She has also been endorsed by Congressmembers Gregory Meeks, Carolyn Maloney, and Tom Suozzi, along with the Queens County Democrats and over 300 local community leaders – a full list can be seen here. -Press Release.

Pic: Katz speaks to leaders from the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society, NAVA, and the American Bangladeshi Business Alliance during a rally in Jamaica