A chilling wave of racist text messages targeting Black Americans with slavery references has swept across the United States, sending shockwaves through communities and prompting an immediate FBI investigation. The messages, which began circulating shortly after Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, have been reported in at least 11 states, highlighting a disturbing escalation of racial tensions.
The text messages, often addressed to recipients by name, delivered a horrifying message: “report to a plantation to pick cotton.” Some even explicitly referenced President-elect Donald Trump, further fueling concerns about the emboldened nature of racist groups following the election. The messages, reminiscent of the country’s dark and painful history of slavery, have left many Black Americans feeling vulnerable and targeted.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has confirmed the messages were received in at least nine states, with additional reports emerging from two more states just days after the election. Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, expressed deep concern, stating that the rise in racist rhetoric reflects a disturbing trend of emboldened hate groups operating in the current climate.
Schools and colleges have been particularly targeted, with reports coming from high schools and universities across the nation. Historically Black institutions, such as Fisk University in Nashville and Howard University in Washington, D.C. (the alma mater of Vice President Kamala Harris), have been among those affected. EJ Hunter, a parent of a freshman at Howard University, expressed her fear and anger after her daughter received one of the texts, stating, “Seeing this triggered every ounce of mama bear in me, to want to protect my child. I didn’t think it was going to be, literally, on Day 1.”
In Hoover, Alabama, at Spain Park High School, at least two students received similar racist messages. The widespread nature of these messages, targeting individuals across different regions, has created a climate of fear and uncertainty for many Black Americans.
Monèt Miller, a publicist from Atlanta, received one of the text messages around 7 am on Wednesday, less than two hours after the US election results were announced. The message, which included her first name and last initial, left her feeling deeply unsettled.
In response to the growing concern and outrage, the FBI has officially launched an investigation, stating that it is “aware of the offensive and racist text messages” and is working alongside the Justice Department and other federal authorities to address the issue. The messages have been reported in various regions, spanning from the South and Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic and as far west as Texas. The office of New York Attorney General Letitia James has reported that many of the messages were sent to students across middle schools, high schools, and universities in New York City and its suburbs.
The Trump campaign has vehemently denied any involvement in the messages. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, stated via email, “The campaign has absolutely nothing to do with these text messages.” However, the messages have drawn significant attention to the ongoing issue of racial intolerance and hate speech in the post-election climate, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of Black Americans. The FBI investigation is ongoing, and the nation awaits answers as the fight against racism continues.