Racist text messages target Black people across the country
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) -A surge in spam like racist text messages targeting black people, falsely claiming that they have been “selected to pick cotton,” has triggered a nationwide investigation.
The wave of messages has even made its way to the Mid-South.
A Mid-South mother who commented on our Action News 5 post said her 13-year-old daughter received the same text the day after the presidential election.
Federal authorities are now investigating several cases that have been reported in up to 20 states.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People released a statement denouncing the hateful rhetoric.
Former NAACP President of the Memphis branch says these hateful text messages shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“President Derrick Johnson, head of the NAACP, said we cannot allow these types of incidents to be normalized. This is out of the ordinary it is not normal so we have to address and head on,” said Van Turner, Former NAACP President, Memphis branch. “So the national NAACP has called on the FBI, it’s called on local law enforcement to address this situation to find the root cause into neutralize it to make sure that this does not continue. Again, we’ve come off a very contentious election. It’s time now to move forward for the country to heal.”
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, who’s aware of the text messages, wrote in a statement
“We are aware of reports of these racist harassing texts and are taking them seriously. We are coordinating with federal and state law enforcement partners and encourage anyone who receives such a text to file a complaint to ensure we have all relevant facts.
Following a hard-fought election, it’s time to come together as Americans – Americans of every color and every creed. My office will not tolerate bad actors hidden among us fanning the flames of hate, especially when they direct that hatred at kids. Every student who received these hateful texts is a beloved child of God and a full-fledged citizen of the United States of America with every right that status entails. The source of this illegal harassment will be tracked down, and whoever did it better prepare for serious consequences.”
According to the FBI, the source of the text messages remains unclear.
“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.”
However, if you receive one of these offensive messages, authorities are encouraging people to contact local law enforcement or visit FBI.gov/tips.
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