A mother and registered nurse who lives in Valley Stream, just east of New York City, says that she is fearing for the lives of herself and her small child after enduring nearly three years of racial harassment.
Per NBC New York, Jennifer McLeggan has a large note that covers the front door of her house in Valley Stream, claiming that her neighbors have been racially harassing her by leaving dead squirrels around her property and throwing feces in her yard. They have also reportedly told her to go back to where she came from.
Per Yahoo News, a portion of the note that covers McLeggan's front door reads: "I took video footage to court and won a $5000 judgment from my videos.
“They have their friends come spit on my property and it was recorded,” it continues. “A blow torch was taken to my home at 3am. They have said I can be ‘erased.’”
Lucy Yang, an Eyewitness News reporter, wrote on Twitter, "Jennifer McLeggan is a nurse and single mother. She says she has tried to be a good neighbor since moving into her Valley Stream home 3 years ago. But she claims her next door neighbors continue to harass and intimidate her"
Meanwhile, Assemblywoman Michaëlle Solages tweeted that she had been in touch with McLeggan and that she was calling for an investigation into the matter.
"Thank you to everyone who reached out regarding the harassment of #ValleyStream homeowner. We reached out to her. We are calling for full investigation. We are each other keepers. #ProtectBlackWomen" she wrote.
In a statement quoted by NBC New York, County Executive Laura Curran said;
“Nassau County will not tolerate any resident being harassed or intimidated because of who they are or what they look like.
“We take these allegations seriously, and Nassau County PD is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.”
A GoFundMe page has since been set up in a bid to raise funds for a surety system on behalf of McLeggan and her daughter. Those who have donated to the fund, which has raised more than $19,500 at the time of writing, have also been leaving messages of support for the mother and daughter.
"Jennifer my prayers are with you and your beautiful daughter. So sorry you are going through this. I will definitely try my best to make the protest." wrote one, while another added, "Jennifer, thank you for your service and your voice. Justice and goodness will prevail because that is what you out there."
A third added, "You are not alone Jennifer. You have a whole community of people who want you to feel safe and warmly welcomed♥️"
Meanwhile, an Instagram page named standwithjennifer has been set up. On the page, a peaceful protest has been announced, which is set to take place today.
Another post on the Instagram page suggests that McLeggan is currently receiving protection. It reads, "She currently was provided around the clock protection on behalf Valley Stream PD. We also have residents from Long Island to Brooklyn also posted at her house. Thank you all."
An incredible response from Jennifer's local community, and proof that good people will always outnumber the bad.
