Anti-Bias Task Force

A candlelight vigil for unity is planned for Monday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m at the gazebo on the Peconic Riverfront on Heidi Behr Way at McDermott Avenue in Riverhead.

There was a full program at the Riverhead Anti-Bias Task Force “Social Justice Diversity Summit” Saturday morning, with more than a dozen panelists and presenters speaking about topics such as immigration policy, fair housing, hate crimes, bullying, gangs and criminal justice.

Riverhead's Anti-Bias 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.

Hoping to open a community dialogue on the subject of bias and discrimination, Riverhead’s Anti-Bias Task Force is hosting an open meeting next Monday evening in Aquebogue.

The vigil on the lawn outside Town Hall this evening was the third public service held in Riverhead since the mass shooting last Sunday.

“How can you expect someone to come in front of a group of people and ask for help when those people are saying really ugly things about them and their families?” said Laura Lemus, civil rights advocate.