Diversity and acceptance at Unity in the Community

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With such a wide variety of cultures, languages, and religions being practiced within the Town of Islip, our rich diversity has proven to be one of the greatest strengths of our community. To celebrate this diversity, the Town of Islip Unity Council invites you to celebrate Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Acceptance (IDEA), at their inaugural Unity in the Community international craft and cultural event. The event will be held at the Islip Grange in Sayville on Saturday, August 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This fun-filled festival will highlight multiple ethnic and religious cultures through entertainment, food, merchandise and more.

The Unity in the Community event was planned by the Town of Islip Unity Council, an offshoot of the former Anti-Bias Task Force.

“[The Anti-Bias Task Force] kind of went into hibernation during COVID. So, when it was time to start meeting again, we looked at what we had done in the past, and what we could possibly do better,” explained Islip Town supervisor, Angie Carpenter. “We decided to rebrand it as the Unity Council to project more of a positive image of unity, rather than one of bias.”

The inaugural Unity Ceremony for the new council was held this year on Friday, Jan. 27, at Town Hall West. The Unity Council is composed of community leaders from many backgrounds across the town, including school officials, religious leaders, hospital officials, nonprofit directors, and elected officials. This council meets periodically throughout the year to discuss ways to engage with the community and local leaders to promote solidarity and celebrate our differences. It was during these meetings that the Unity in the Community international craft and cultural event was planned.

“We thought of having this annual event, where we bring our very culturally and ethnically diverse community together with this sense of unity, while trying to learn how we are different,” shared Carpenter. “What are the different customs—and learn about them, with food, entertainment and performances.”

The event will kick off at 11 a.m. with an opening ceremony, and the presentation of flags from various countries. Throughout the day, attendees will interact with community groups sharing information, try traditional cuisine from different cultures, and enjoy entertainment scheduled throughout the day, including dances and musical performances.

Come to the Islip Grange for an exciting day filled with entertainment and food, to gather not in spite of our differences, but in celebration of them!