Nationwide Outrage as Racist Text Messages Target Black Residents Across Multiple States

In a disturbing wave of racist incidents, Black residents across the United States have been receiving hateful and threatening text messages, sparking widespread condemnation and investigations. The messages, which were sent on Wednesday, told recipients they had been “selected for cotton picking” or to report to a “nearest plantation” at specified times, often with instructions to bring their personal belongings.

The texts were reported in numerous states, including Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Ohio, New York, California, Tennessee, and Massachusetts. The FBI has acknowledged the messages and is working with the Justice Department and other federal authorities to address the issue. The Federal Communications Commission is also investigating these texts alongside federal and state law enforcement agencies.

The messages were sent from numbers with area codes in at least 25 different states, and many of these numbers were later disconnected or identified as belonging to TextNow users, a service that allows users to create free phone numbers. TextNow has stated that it shut down the accounts used to send these messages as soon as it became aware of the violation of its terms of service.

Recipients of the texts have expressed fear and emotional distress. Devereaux Adams, a 27-year-old resident of Atlanta, described feeling “afraid and hurt” upon receiving the message. Another resident, Monet Miller, 29, also from Atlanta, felt scared and more cautious about her surroundings after receiving the text.

Several educational institutions, including Clemson University, the University of Alabama, and Ohio State University, have reported that their students received these racist messages. Schools and universities are offering support services and urging students to report any similar incidents to school administration and law enforcement.

The NAACP has condemned the messages, with President Derrick Johnson stating that they represent an “alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric.” Local law enforcement and school districts are urging recipients to report these messages and are working to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.