The Islip Town Board celebrated Black history with the return of its popular in-person ceremonies honoring members of the community who have gone above and beyond to enhance, enrich, and improve residents’ quality of life in the town. 

“February is National Black History Month… an opportunity for all of us to celebrate and acknowledge the many contributions of our diverse neighbors, volunteers, and professionals who help to enrich our town every day,” said Islip supervisor Angie Carpenter. 

“To help us share in this celebration, I’d like to take a moment to highlight a few of our outstanding community members that we have here in the audience today,” said Carpenter. 

Amy Evans serves the Town of Islip as a community organizer for Youth Enrichment Services (YES). Since 2009, Evans has overseen the day-to-day operations of YES programing and continues to grow programing to fit the needs of the community. Passionate to better her community, she coordinates with outside resources and support systems to garner larger community engagement through education, volunteerism and nutrition. She utilizes her vast knowledge of adolescent development, complex family dynamics, conflict resolutions and community resources, to ensure all youth in YES programs have the support they need. Among her many roles, she ensures the safety and well-being of all staff members, YES students, and volunteers through administrative tasks, including managing student attendance, emergency contacts, and coordinating safety plans for events, trips and programs, as well as hosting administrative meetings aimed at bettering programing available.

NYPD Officer Christian Brown has been dedicated to protecting and serving the Town of Islip for over 10 years. He began his service in the emergency response field as a Youth Squad member of the Exchange Ambulance of the Islips in 2009. Upon joining the Senior Corp in 2014, Brown rapidly arose through the ranks of the Exchange Ambulance, serving as an EMT, captain, assistant chief, and in 2022, served as chief of the Department. Brown has shown the utmost dedication and commitment to providing the best care possible to the residents of the community and advancing the capabilities and services provided by Exchange Ambulance of the Islips.  Since becoming a member in 2014, Brown has performed 6,619 hours of shifts on duty, responded to 3,358 calls, and attended countless meetings, trainings, and other special events.

Retired NYPD Officer Jacqueline Merriweather has made it her mission to identify and implement positive change through community outreach. Since 2000, Merriweather has been an avid member of the Brentwood Rotary Club, and currently serves as Rotary president and on the executive board for the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Through her involvement with the Brentwood Rotary, Merriweather has organized Christmas and Thanksgiving donation drives, school supply drives, food drives, and has sponsored life-saving surgeries through the Rotary Gift of Life initiative. Merriweather is actively involved with the Brentwood Union Free School District and serves on the Parent Advisory Board.