Updated: 07 Nov 2024 8:45 am Pacific
It’s spreading widely on Facebook, Twitter and Reddit. “It” is a series of anonymous texts to Black Americans — youth and adults – advising the recipient they have been tapped to pick cotton or be a house slave.
The Tuscaloosa Thread reported that a University of Alabama student received one. A spokesperson said they had “reported [the incident] to authorities, and we’re asking anyone who may have information regarding these messages to report it to the appropriate authorities.”
In Virginia, 13News Now (Norfolk) photographer Sam Burwell also received a text. In a statement, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares “unequivocally condemn[ed]” the texts.
The Norfolk Office of the FBI “ask[ed] anyone receiving threatening messages to report it to local authorities.”
An example (synthesized):
CONGRATULATIONS
You have been selected to Pick Cotton at the nearest plantation. Be ready at 12 AM NOVEMBER 13 SHARP with your belongings. Our executive slaves will come get you in a brown van, be prepared to be searched down once you reach the plantation.
You are in plantation group S.
The Crimson White reported the story as well. A Facebook account noted some texts had been reported to the FBI (as all should be). Another reported a text with a specific city: Charlotte, NC.
This is not okay.
The fact that people are sending out mass cotton picking text messages is crazy. The rabbit hole of thinking that shit is funny goes even deeper when you realize your phone company can sell your name and number whenever they need the money to whoever. pic.twitter.com/qkYdqU6MgD
— Geechee Hippie ????????? (@MochaMonaee) November 7, 2024
Have you all seen the random house slave/plantation texts that have been sent out to some POC in the US today. This is @elonmusk and @realDonaldTrump America.. This isn’t funny. This isn’t a joke. Whoever is doing this is mentally unwell. pic.twitter.com/dheAlhsSxm
— ?? ? (@sillyrabbitfafo) November 7, 2024
anyone else got this pick cotton text message shit? they think they’re so funny pic.twitter.com/FUFIOFRw3R
— ?????? ?? stands with?? (@c0wboyjjk) November 7, 2024
OMG????? WHAT!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/PQou1zv50u
— TheeMarketingMamí (@WizMonifaaa) November 6, 2024
Has anyone gotten a text message talking about being selected to be an “outdoor slave…?” I am livid!!!!!!??? pic.twitter.com/EY3SiKxeaT
— sara lee (@sexualbutte) November 7, 2024
Somebody just text this to my niece phone. You bitches sick in the head! Catch one! pic.twitter.com/ed81dAFnad
— KYLESISTER (@AriTheDon) November 6, 2024
Known for gnawing at complex questions like a terrier with a bone. Digital evangelist, writer, teacher. Transplanted Southerner; teach newbies to ride motorcycles. @kegill (Twitter and Mastodon.social); wiredpen.com