A series of racist text messages referencing slavery have caused alarm nationwide after being sent to Black individuals, including students as young as middle schoolers. The messages, sent anonymously, have been reported in various states such as New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. While the messages shared a similar tone, the wording varied.
Some of the messages instructed recipients to appear at a specific address with their belongings, while others did not provide a location. Certain messages also made mention of the incoming presidential administration. The sender or senders behind these messages remain unidentified, and the full extent of the recipients is not yet known, although high school and college students were among those targeted.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Justice Department, the Federal Communications Commission, and state authorities, have initiated investigations into the matter. Concerned individuals like Tasha Dunham from Lodi, California, have expressed shock and fear upon receiving these messages. Dunham's daughter was directed to report to a 'plantation' in North Carolina, a location completely unrelated to their residence.
Several middle school students in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, also received these disturbing messages, prompting school officials to address the issue with parents. Universities such as Clemson and the University of Alabama reported students receiving similar texts. Fisk University in Tennessee reassured its students that the messages were likely from bots or malicious actors with no genuine intent.
Various civil rights organizations have condemned the messages, emphasizing that hate speech has no place in society. The Southern Poverty Law Center and the NAACP have spoken out against the messages, denouncing the perpetuation of a legacy of evil and the attempt to hinder Black Americans' pursuit of freedom and happiness.
Efforts are underway by wireless providers to block these threatening spam messages, and law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the origins of the texts. The incidents have sparked widespread concern and calls for unity against such hateful acts.
