Racist Texts Sent To Black People Across The Country, Federal Investigation Underway

Topline

Federal authorities on Thursday said they are investigating a series of racist text messages sent to Black people—including some school students—across the country referencing slavery and asking them to be prepared to “pick cotton at the nearest plantation.”

Key Facts

In a statement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said it was “aware of the offensive and racist text messages” and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal agencies over the matter.

According to CNN and the Associated Press, the messages were sent anonymously to people living in several states, including Maryland, New Jersey, Alabama, Michigan, Georgia, Nevada, New York and South Carolina.

While the content of the racist messages varied slightly, most included references to slavery—telling people to arrive at a particular address with all their belongings and telling the recipient that they have been “selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation.”

According to screenshots published by NBC News, one of the messages targeting Black Americans across the country read: “Our Executive Slaves will come get you in a Brown Van…be prepared to be searched down once you’ve enter the plantation.”

The report added that people started receiving the messages the morning after Election Day, and some purportedly mentioned President-elect Donald Trump’s victory.

The FCC also said it is working with federal and state agencies to determine the source of the messages.

Chief Critics

Margaret Huang, the president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, issued a statement condemning the messages and calling them a “public spectacle of hatred and racism that makes a mockery of our civil rights history…Leaders at all levels must condemn anti-Black racism, in any form, whenever we see it.” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson told AP: “The threat — and the mention of slavery in 2024 — is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.”

Tangent

The attorneys general of North Carolina and Louisiana issued statements condemning the messages and urging people to report such texts to their offices. The North Carolina Attorney General’s office tweeted: “Our office is aware of racist messages being sent to North Carolinians. We are working with federal and industry partners to investigate the source of these robotexts.” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murill wrote on X: “I have been made aware of racist and vile spam text messages individuals have received throughout Louisiana. I have directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to fully investigate the origins of these disgusting texts that only intend to divide us.”

Further Reading

Racist texts referring to ‘picking cotton’ sent to several people across US following election (CNN)

Racist text messages referencing slavery raise alarms in multiple states and prompt investigations (Associated Press)