Butterfly Effect Project, reeling from racist attacks but determined to move forward, seeks support

In response to racist comments on social media and threatening phone calls made to its offices, the Butterfly Effect Project is urging “all our elected officials to make a public statement acknowledging and condemning these heinous racist acts and to stand united with BEP,” the organization said in a press release Monday afternoon. 

“We must stamp out this racism and bigotry before it escalates further and show that it will not be tolerated under any circumstances in our communities,” the organization said. “Our elected officials represent all of us, and must do all they can to ensure our safety, security, and well-being.”

The racist harassment began shortly after the Butterfly Effect Project  announced its annual gala, Wo/man Empower Wo/men, in a post to the group’s Facebook page on Feb. 23. The event will honor BEP founder and Executive Director Tijuana Fulford and five young women leaders in the organization. Commenters on Facebook began attacking the organization, posting racist tropes and memes.

MORE COVERAGE: Butterfly Effect Project and local officials respond to racist comments on Facebook targeting the Riverhead-based youth group (Feb. 28, 2025)

“Some examples of the bigotry include a meme of monkeys dancing, a meme displaying a sign in a window saying 0% interest with the caption ‘when negros are involved,’ statements such as ‘go lead Africa,’ ‘keep empowering criminals,’ ‘ghetto effect,’ among others,” BEP said in the press release, which was signed by Fulford.

After the group started announcing the women who would be speaking at its Pearls of Wisdom event — by posting images, including their photos, names, and professions on its social media ages — BEP began receiving  anonymous calls at its office. The callers hung up or laughed and then hung up. 

On Tuesday, March Fulford received a direct call to her extension, “which she answered to hear a distorted man’s voice say, ‘12 monkeys jumping on the bed. While you’re celebrating eating bananas in your n— church, we’ll be sweetening tanks and slashing tires,’” the press release states.

After that BEP decided to cancel the Pearls of Wisdom event. 

MORE COVERAGE: Riverhead-based youth organization cancels event after racist and threatening phone calls

The organization has filed a police report with the Riverhead Police Department, detailing the escalating incidents, Fulford said in the press release. 

“The Riverhead Police Department has been cooperative, and has said while the events are not considered a crime in legal terms, they are and will continue investigating the incidents. They will offer more patrol cars in the area and provide support in securing safety infrastructure for the organization,” Fulford said. The Suffolk County Hate Crime Unit will assist and advise the Riverhead Police Department with their investigation and provide patrol cars at BEP’s Wo/man Empower Wo/men Event at Bellport Country Club on May 17, she said.

Since the onset of the racist social media attacks and threatening phone calls, “the Butterfly Effect Project has received an outpouring of love and support from the community, offering volunteer security and urging us to hold the event, among other things,” the press release said.

BEP has been asked by numerous community members, partners, local businesses, and fellow non-profit organizations what they can do to help, the group said. 

“The organization has reflected and come up with four different areas of organizational support that are most needed, encompass BEP’s mission, and reflect the future we’re building toward,” it said.

BEP outlined the areas of support as follows:

Event support for the  Wo/man Empower Wo/men, on May 17 at 1pm at The Bellport Country Club.  There are sponsorship opportunities, and tickets and tables available for purchase. Anyone unable to attend can gift the opportunity to attend to others. Learn more about the event and sponsorship opportunities, or purchase tickets and tables here.

Security support:  In light of recent events, BEP needs to purchase new lighting, a security system, updated phone systems, and coordinated alarms to make sure that whoever is in the organization’s building is well-protected. Support the effort to update security measures here.

Community-building & capital support: BEP hopes to build on the new programming and events being offered at its new home. 

“We want to continue to open our doors to more participants, families, and neighbors to expand our community and be a safe and welcoming gathering place for all.” the organization said in the release. “We are currently building a new, larger intergenerational community garden at our campus that will serve as an educational space for participants to grow organic and sustainable flowers and produce. It will also be a safe, recreational outdoor learning space to share healthy meals and celebrate together.” 

Support rebuilding the garden here. 

Support BEP youth’s future: Proceeds from the canceled Pearls of Wisdom event are earmarked for BEP’s College Access & Retention Programs. The group is now fundraising to send two butterflies to a pre-college medical program at Duke University this summer. Donations to help Gigi and Gianna advance their medical careers may be made here. 

“This office isn’t just where we work—it’s where we build, where we uplift, and where we create opportunities for the children and families we serve,” said BEP’s Chief Compliance Officer & Director of Program Operation Caroline Nadeau said.

“We host so many programs and events here, and for many of us, this is our safe space. My own children come to work with me, just like so many others who find a second home within these walls,” she said.

“We will not be bullied into silence. The threats against us only prove why spaces like this are so important, and we are not going anywhere. But we need real support from the community—more than just words, more than just photo ops,” Nadeau said. “If you truly want to help, show up for us. Volunteer, donate, and advocate. Speak out against hate and stand with us in action, not just in sentiment. This is about more than one event being canceled. This is about ensuring our children grow up in a world where they are safe, valued, and empowered.”