A wave of racist text messages referencing slavery, "slave catchers," and "picking cotton" has prompted law enforcement across the United States to launch a full-scale investigation. Targeting Black and brown individuals, including students and professionals, the messages, which appear to originate from unrecognized phone numbers, have surfaced in over 20 states following the presidential election. The disturbing content has drawn sharp condemnation from civil rights groups, political leaders, and law enforcement officials.
NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson issued a stark warning about the dangerous rise in hate-fueled rhetoric. "The unfortunate reality of electing a president who, historically, has embraced and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes," Johnson said. "These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country." While Johnson attributed the escalation to political factors, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt rejected any connection to the messages, saying they had "absolutely nothing" to do with Trump.
The messages, many sent through the anonymous texting service TextNow, have triggered responses from attorneys general, civil rights organizations, and federal authorities. TextNow has since disabled the accounts linked to the messages and is cooperating with investigators to determine the scope and origin of the campaign.
Among the victims is Talaya Jones of Piscataway, New Jersey, who was horrified to receive a text directing her to "pick cotton at the nearest plantation." Jones described her initial reaction as a mix of shock, anger, and sadness, especially when she learned children, including elementary school students, had also been targeted. "Why would you want to intentionally hurt somebody that you don't even know?" she asked. Jones later received an email laced with similarly offensive content, exacerbating her fear and sense of vulnerability.
Law enforcement, including the FBI and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is working to identify the perpetrators behind what many consider a coordinated hate campaign. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel denounced the texts as "unacceptable," emphasizing the agency's commitment to investigating and preventing further harassment.
In Alabama, freshman honors student Alysa was in tears after receiving a racist text referring to plantation labor. Her mother, Arleta McCall, expressed deep concern about her daughter's safety, noting that the messages appeared to disproportionately target Black students. "It's eerie that it came to my daughter's personal phone," McCall said. "Her group of friends have mapped out their paths to class so they can walk together and keep each other safe."
Similar incidents have been reported in Louisiana, where state Attorney General Liz Murrill vowed a thorough investigation. "I have directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to fully investigate the origins of these disgusting texts that only intend to divide us," Murrill said. Her sentiments were echoed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who condemned the targeting of Black and brown communities and pledged to hold those responsible accountable.
In Milwaukee, 12-year-old Kamiyah was one of the youngest victims. The message, which addressed her by name and told her she had been "selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation," left her and her grandmother, Jackie Bradley, horrified. "How did they get her name?" Bradley questioned, adding, "If you have to prosecute somebody, prosecute them because this has gone too far."
The messages, reminiscent of the darkest periods in American history, have not only targeted individuals but have also stoked fear and unease across communities. Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland recognized the "emotional and psychological impact" on students and staff, particularly communities of color, and vowed to support those affected.
The origins of these messages remain unclear, with authorities exploring whether domestic or foreign entities are responsible.
