BROOKLYN—With smiles on their faces and books in their hands, dozens of eager family members, friends, former colleagues and supporters gathered in The Arches on Aug. 9 to meet, greet and celebrate newly published author, Katrina Brownlee, at her book release party.
Katrina Brownlee, a retired NYPD detective and domestic violence survivor, released her first book, a memoir titled, “And Then Comes the Blues: My Story of Survival on Both Sides of the Badge,” on Aug. 5.
In her book, Ms. Brownlee details her life journey of becoming a highly decorated NYPD detective, mentor, and founder of a nonprofit support group for at-risk women. All of which she accomplished after surviving a near-fatal shooting at the hands of her then fiancé and a law enforcement officer.
Through telling what she calls her “raw and naked” truth, Ms. Brownlee’s memoir represents a redemptive story as a result of healing generational trauma and prospering through adversity. She credits it all to the work of God.
“God spoke to me and told me that I needed to tell this story so that people would know that He is still in the business of healing,” Ms. Brownlee told The Final Call. “I’m in a place of gratefulness.
I am thankful to God that he has allowed me to be able to have this book signing and to be able to tell this story. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. … I was shot 10 times, and the doctors gave up on me. They said I wouldn’t live through the night. But God had other plans and I have gratitude,” she added.
Ms. Brownlee’s contagious spirit of gratitude spread throughout the night to those in attendance. As she signed numerous copies of her memoir, stopping only to take photos with supporters, Ms. Brownlee shared with them smiles, laughs and words of admiration.
Some voiced their gratitude and admiration for Ms. Brownlee and her powerful story to The Final Call. “It gives people a voice to know that they can come out and speak out. They don’t have to hide things; they don’t have to be ashamed of what they’re going through,” Department of Corrections investigator and close friend, Chertia Jennings, 39, said.
“She’s just amazing, she’s always been this strong beautiful woman—a warrior. I had to be here to support her,” retired NYPD detective, Kelly Horvath, 50, told The Final Call. Ms. Horvath said she met Ms. Brownlee over 20 years ago and could recognize the power she held back then, before she even knew the shocking details of her story.
Sharing a similar sentiment, retired NYPD detective Lysette Rivera, 55, said, “She’s a true warrior and her story is just so powerful. We just have such an admiration for her. Katrina and I are both a part of the organization Blue Tribe Warrior Sisters, and that’s exactly what she is, that’s exactly what she represents.”
Among the many eventgoers were best-selling writer and holistic wellness advocate Queen Afua, as well as book author and writer for the popular Starz television show series, “BMF,” Garen Thomas.
“What makes her story for me so gripping and emotional is the fact that she keeps overcoming adversity. She keeps rising above all the noes and all the obstacles and flourishes to find a new level,” Ms. Thomas told The Final Call.
After nearly three hours of signing books, greeting her supporters and taking photos, Ms. Brownlee, changed into a pressed satin pink dress and walked to the upper level of the venue where she was met with resounding cheers of her supporters and loved ones as they sang a song in her honor.
Taking the microphone and holding back tears, Ms. Brownlee spoke to the audience.
“I know a lot of y’all did not know my story, but I’m here to tell you that no matter what I went through, I still kept going, in spite of. … I know that because I have a community of people that’s in here, right here, that I have a reason to keep going. And this is not the end, this is just the beginning.”
Ms. Brownlee was also joined on the microphone by members of her team, including her publicist, Rachel Holly Noerdlinger, and longtime friend Brother Don Enoch Muhammad.
“Katrina Brownlee and I met over 10 years ago, and shortly thereafter we became acquainted [and] she told me her story. She also told me that she wanted to write a book and that I was going to help her in that endeavor.
And all of that has come true,” Brother Don Enoch Muhammad told The Final Call, describing the fruition of Ms. Brownlee’s goals as a testament to the presence and power of God.