October 15th, 2025 Islip, Ny-Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter and members of the Islip Town Board welcomed residents, staff, and community members to Unity Day 2025 at Town Hall West, a program dedicated to fostering inclusion, empathy, and shared understanding. The highlight of the event was an extraordinary presentation by Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, and motivational speaker Shadrack Boakye, whose lecture, “Cover Me,” explored how resilience, faith, and compassion can unite communities and heal lives.

“Unity Day gives us an opportunity to come together and celebrate what connects us rather than what divides us,” said Supervisor Carpenter. “Mr. Boakye’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and hope, and his message resonates deeply with the values we hold as a Town.”.

Boakye’s presentation drew from both the Old Testament story of Shadrach and his own lived experiences during the Liberian Civil War, weaving faith, survival, and moral courage into a deeply human narrative. Through the central theme of “Cover Me,” Boakye examined how the act of protecting and standing up for one another, physically, emotionally, and spiritually can shape both individual lives and communities.

“I personally believe that when you listen to the voice inside of you, block out the ones outside, miracles happen,” Boakye told the audience.

“I don’t think there’s anything really special about me; the thing that makes me special is the journey, the story, one that I didn’t have much control over.”

In an interactive moment, he invited attendees to turn to one another and say, “I’ll cover you,” symbolizing solidarity and care across differences.

“Unity Day reminds us that each of us has the power to make a difference, to ‘cover’ one another with understanding, kindness, and hope,” said Supervisor Carpenter. “Mr. Boakye’s story truly embodies that message.”