The Riverhead Anti-Bias Task Force is convening a “social justice diversity summit” Saturday at Riverhead High School.
The task force has scheduled speakers and presentations on the subjects of civil rights, immigration, criminal justice, bullying, educational disparities, housing discrimination, homelessness and Native American issues.
Keynote speakers Dick Koubeck of Long Island Jobs with Justice and Cathryn Harris-Marchesi a member of the firm of noted civil rights attorney Frederick Brewington will kick things off.
Their remarks will be followed by topical presentations by: Joselo Lucero of the Hagedorn Foundation; Suffolk County Police Department Deputy Commissioner Risco Mention-Lewis; Suffolk County Police Department’s hate crime unit; Suffolk County Sheriff gang unit; Blanca Villaneuva, Alliance for Quality Education/L.I. Progressive Coalition; Sharon Mullon, L.I. Housing Partnership; Ian Wilder, L.I. Housing Services; Greta Guarton, L.I. Coalition for the Homeless; and Aiyana Smith, Blossom Sustainable Development.
“The goal and mission of the task force is to educate the community,” ABTF chairwoman Connie Lassandro said. “We wanted to get a group around the table to discuss issues that seem to be prevalent in our society today. These are issues that are in the forefront of most people’s minds.”
Lassandro said the task force wants to “bring a positive attitude and information to the community, to build understanding and dispel myths.”
“We’ve got a great mix of people speaking and giving presentations,” she said. “We tried to blend it so it’s not just about hate and bigotry.”
Saturday’s event is free and open to the public, she said.
A complimentary breakfast and boxed lunch will be offered, thanks to donations by Hamptons Coffee, Bagel Lovers, Panera Bread, Express Deli and WalMart.
The social justice diversity summit will begin at 9 a.m. with breakfast. A morning program of speakers and presentations will be followed by a boxed lunch, then breakout sessions and a Q&A period. The event will be wrapped up by 3 p.m.
“I look at the task force members as ambassadors to the town,” Lassandro said. “We want to make sure people are comfortable and are welcomed.”
Riverhead High School is located at 700 Harrison Avenue in Riverhead. Get directions.
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