Racist, Vulgar Notes Posted In Freeport Park

Freeport NY

28 September, 2020

3:34 PM

Description

FREEPORT, NY — Racist and vulgar notes were recently found tucked into fences and lamp poles in and around Milburn Park in Freeport. Freeport resident Tessa Stefanello said she found five of the notes while walking in the park. Most of the notes espoused white supremacy and one disparaged former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. "That's not something that I take lightly," Stefanello said. "Clearly there was an intention behind those cards. Whether it be somebody wanted to piss someone off, or someone wants their message to be heard. It definitely had bad intent behind it." Two of the notes found in Millburn Park. (Courtesy Tessa Stefanello) Stefanello said she spoke to other residents about what she found and learned it was not the first time similar notes had been spotted. The postings started in Milburn Park when Black Lives Matter protests were gaining traction in the area in the summer, Stefanello said. Freeport is one of the most diverse communities on Long Island. According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the community of about 43,000 is 43 percent are white and 31 percent are black. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and County Legislator Debra Mulé, who represents Freeport, both condemned the notes and the sentiment behind them. "There is absolutely no place for hate speech or bigotry in Nassau County," said Curran. "The racist and vulgar notes found in Milburn Park are unacceptable acts of bias and hate that will not be tolerated. Nassau County is a wonderful place to live because of the rich diversity of our communities." "The actions described in this report are simply shameful and reprehensible. Moreover, I am disappointed and heartbroken that parkgoers and their families may have been exposed toprejudice through the actions of what appears to be a small-minded person," Mulé said. "Hatred has no place in Freeport, in the Town of Hempstead, or anywhere in Nassau County. Our communities are strengthened and enriched by our embrace and celebration of diversity. It is up to each of us to ensure that bias and bigotry are never provided safe harbor in our hearts."