aljazeera.com
Racist Texts Target Black Americans
Racist text messages referencing slavery sent to Black Americans across the US spark investigations by federal and state authorities.
English
United States
Human Rights ViolationsUs PoliticsGender IssuesInvestigationSocial IssuesRacismHate SpeechCivil Rights
FbiJustice DepartmentFederal Communications CommissionNaacpSouthern Poverty Law Center
Donald TrumpFrances CarmonaAnthony BrownDerrick JohnsonMargaret Huang
- How did civil rights groups respond?
- Civil rights organizations such as the NAACP and SPLC strongly condemned the messages, highlighting the disturbing nature of these acts and their historical context.
- What was the content of the text messages?
- The messages, originating from unknown sources, instructed recipients to report to the 'nearest plantation' for cotton picking, evoking the painful history of slavery.
- What prompted the investigations across the US?
- Following Donald Trump's election victory, numerous Black Americans received racist text messages across various US states, prompting widespread investigations.
- Which organizations are investigating the matter?
- Federal agencies like the FBI and FCC, along with state attorneys general, are investigating these incidents, treating them as serious threats.
- What is the broader context of hate crimes against Black people in the US?
- About one-fifth of hate crimes in major US cities in 2022 targeted Black people, underscoring the seriousness of the issue and the need for further investigation and action.