Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the appointment of Courtney A. Bennett as the new Director of the District Attorney’s Harlem Office. Mr. Bennett, who most recently served as the Executive Director of one Hundred Black Men of New York, has spent his career working in Harlem in a variety of roles, including as a teacher and in non-profit organizations. Mr. Bennett will focus on deepening ties with local residents and community leaders and building on the Harlem Office’s immigration fraud, domestic violence and gun violence prevention work.
“Courtney Bennett is a wonderful addition to the District Attorney’s Office,” said District Attorney Bragg. “As a Harlemite, Courtney has a deep understanding of the community’s rich history and needs. His wide-ranging experience, from teaching to non-profit work, and focus on anti-violence initiatives, makes him an asset and resource that Harlem takes pride in and reflects his commitment to ensuring Manhattan is a safer and fairer borough. I look forward to working with Courtney and can’t wait for the rest of the neighborhood to do the same.”
Mr. Bennett previously taught in a Harlem public school and at the Boys Choir of Harlem. He became the Director at Minisink Townhouse, which is part of the New York City Mission Society. There, he helped launch the “Cure Violence” program, which is now a critical part of the city’s effort to reduce gun violence.
While Bennett served as Executive Director of One Hundred Black Men, the organization gave out grants to organizations across the country, mentored students from all over the city, provided thousands of dollars’ worth of scholarships and established relationships with corporate, clergy and community partners.
The Harlem Office was created in 1987 to provide residents north of 96th Street with easy access to the resources of the District Attorney’s Office. The Harlem Office address problems relating to domestic violence, immigration fraud, and other issues crucial to the communities, serving as a vital link between residents and law enforcement officials. Our Washington Heights Office, opened in March of 2015, is our additional community office on West 166th Street, which offers the same services and resources.
The Harlem Office is located in the Harlem State Office Building at 163 West 125th Street, Room 733 New York, NY 10027. The Office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the phone number is (212)-864)-7884.
“We are so happy with the DA’s selection of hiring Courtney Bennett as the new Harlem Office Director. Courtney is a longtime leader in our community, and we know he will continue to serve Harlem in his new role,” said Senator Cordell Cleare.
“The appointment of Courtney Bennett, a Manhattanite who knows firsthand about neighborhood needs and safety, demonstrates a clear commitment by the D.A.’s Office to listen to local residents and address their concerns,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “His deep experience supporting Harlem throughout his entire life will help create a safer and stronger neighborhood.”
“I want to wholeheartedly welcome Courtney Bennett, who has dedicated his career to supporting the Harlem community,” said Assemblymember Inez Dickens. “I am looking forward to partnering with him to ensuring the residents of Harlem can live as safely as anyone else in our city.”
“Courtney Bennett is the right person to lead the D.A.’s Harlem Office,” said Assemblymember Al Taylor. “He is widely respected in the community and understands the needs of our community. He is going to be a greater partner in our ongoing work to create lasting public safety and I look forward to collaborating together.”
“District Attorney Alvin Bragg ‘hit a grand slam’ when he selected Courtney Bennett, who is extraordinarily well known in Manhattan in general and the Greater Harlem community in particular, to head up DA Bragg’s Harlem Office,” said President of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Lloyd Williams. “The Harlem Community will now be better served because of the appointment of Mr. Bennett. Great job DA Bragg!”
“Congratulations to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in the hiring of Courtney Bennett,” said Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Michael J. Garner. “In working with Courtney in his current role as Executive Director for the Founding Chapter of the One Hundred Black Men, he is the ultimate professional who simply gets things done. The Harlem Community and the Borough of Manhattan will certainly benefit from the hiring of Courtney Bennett who will direct Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s Harlem Office. Once again, congratulations.”
###