Music label saluted for community help

The town has recognized Shineboy Entertainment for shining a light on the Gordon Heights community.

Town board members awarded the independent music label, founded in Medford two years ago, with a proclamation at last week's council meeting for its contributions to the area.

The company recently gave away school supplies to more than 1,100 students and plans to donate Thanksgiving turkeys to families. No date has been set for that giveaway.

Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Connie Kepert, who represents the district, was contacted about the organization and its neighborhood efforts by local leaders this past summer.

"We are very happy we have an up-and-coming business in the community and they are trying to give back," Kepert, who sponsored the proclamation, said in a phone interview.

Shineboy Entertainment boasts a variety of musical artists such as rapper Shineboy Mack, the label's marquee act, and singers Najee Morning and Maserati Sparks.

"We do a lot of community work. It's all about turning negatives in positives," said Shineboy Entertainment CEO Gary Johnson, 32, who grew up in Gordon Heights.

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Community leaders said any organization willing to uplift local students is welcome.

Octavia Johnson, pastor of Women's Fellowship Outreach Ministries in East Patchogue, said in an interview that she supported the label's work in Gordon Heights.