Soggy Skies Don't Dampen Spirits At 'Unity' Picnic: Photos, Video

NORTH FORK, NY — Soggy skies did nothing to dampen smiles and enthusiasm Saturday at the Southold Anti-Bias Task Force's 9th Annual Unity Picnic.

A large crowd gathered under a tent at the Peconic Community Center on Peconic Lane to enjoy good food, friendship, live music, entertainment, face painting and games for children, door prizes — and to share a message of celebrating "unity in diversity", acceptance and hope in a fractured world.

After a Pledge of Allegiance led by Greenport Boy Scouts, Troop 51, James Banks, coordinator of multicultural affairs at Suffolk County Community College, and also chair of Southampton's anti-bias task force, addressed guests.

For those unhappy with today's political climate, Banks urged them to head to the polls and vote. And, he said, it's critical to promote a message of "truth and fairness," no matter what political party a person is affiliated with, holding tightly to the values and morals of America.

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said the annual picnic grows every year, and the fact that Saturday's event was so well-attended, despite the rain, was a testament to the Southold Anti-Bias Task Force, one of the hardest working groups he's encountered.

While Russell said it is easy to get "discouraged" with issues in today's world, all one has to do is spend some time with the ABTF: "Their sense of hope is contagious," he said.

"The Unity Picnic is one of my favorite events each year," Russell added. "It epitomizes the work of Southold Anti-Bias Task Force — bringing people together and fostering dialogue, not conflict."

Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski agreed: "We're a better community," due to the efforts of the ABTF, he said.

The event also included poetry and performances by Dominique Aviles, Liza Coppola, a dance group from the Shinnecock Reservation, the Rabin Ajau Dance Group, and a ukele band from Peconic Landing who had the crowd singing along.

Photos, video by Lisa Finn.