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Racist Texts Target Black Americans
Racist text messages invoking slavery were sent to Black Americans across the country, prompting investigations by federal and state agencies and condemnation from civil rights organizations.
English
United States
Human Rights ViolationsUs PoliticsGender IssuesInvestigationRacismHate SpeechCivil RightsThreat
FbiJustice DepartmentFederal Communications CommissionOhio Attorney General's OfficeNaacp
Tasha DunhamMegan ShaferNimrod ChapelDerrick JohnsonMargaret Huang
- What agencies are investigating the messages?
- The FBI, FCC, and several state attorney generals' offices are investigating these messages, which were sent anonymously and varied slightly in wording but shared a similar tone.
- What is the significance and impact of the messages?
- The messages, which often included instructions to report to a specific location with belongings, raised concerns about the potential for organized hate groups targeting Black Americans and the normalization of hate speech.
- What were the contents of the messages and how did they vary?
- Recipients included students at various universities such as Clemson and the University of Alabama, as well as middle schoolers in Pennsylvania; many reported the messages to law enforcement.
- Who received the racist text messages and where were they sent?
- Racist text messages referencing slavery were sent to Black individuals across multiple states, including students in middle and high schools and universities.
- What is the response from civil rights organizations and authorities to these events?
- Civil rights organizations condemned the messages and emphasized the seriousness of the threats and the perpetuation of historical oppression, while wireless providers are working to block the numbers used to send the messages.