Descendants of slaves who worked at a southern plantation have responded to the slew of racist text messages targeting Black Americans that were sent out following the conclusion of the 2024 presidential election, in which Donald Trump emerged victorious.
Dozens of Black Americans began receiving a variety of racist texts, many making references to slavery, following Trump's triumph. Some stated things such as "you have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation," while others were even signed "Sincerely, A TRUMP SUPPORTER."
However, descendants of those who were enslaved at one of the largest plantations in the South have spoken out against these intimidation tactics, as reported by ABC 11.
Beverly Evans, 76, descended from the Suitts family that was once enslaved at the Stagville Plantation in North Carolina. After some of the texts urged their receivers to "report to the Stagville Plantation," she told ABC 11 that the texts were just disrespectful.
"The people that got the messages felt disrespected and we all as Black people felt disrespected by that," Evans told the outlet.
"We don't cower down no more. We're not intimidated no more. Those days are gone," Ricky Hart, a descendant of the Hart family who was also enslaved at Stagville, told ABC 11. "They can try intimidation or the fear factor, but that's not going to work anymore."
The North Carolina Department of Historic Sites said in a statement to ABC 11, "North Carolina Historic Sites condemns these acts intended to inspire fear and division by weaponizing history. Stagville is a sacred space for visitors to contend with the history of slavery, emancipation and injustice. We will work with law enforcement on the investigation into these hateful and deceitful messages."
An investigation has been launched into these messages by the FBI, as reported by The Hill.
"The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals around the country and is in contact with the Justice Department and other federal authorities on the matter," the FBI said in a statement.
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