Mass text messages sent to Black recipients about « being selected to pick cotton » are being investigated by authorities. The FBI said it was aware of the incidents.
Federal investigators are looking into offensive text messages sent to cellphone numbers across the country this week.
The text messages used slavery imagery and told the recipients — including school-aged children and college students — that a van would take them to a plantation. The texts appear to mostly be sent to Black recipients, and it is unknown where the numbers were obtained or if non-Black recipients were also contacted.
One recipient told NBC4 Washington she received a message saying she was « selected to pick cotton. »
« Greetings, You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation », the text message said. « Be ready at 12PM SHARP with your belongings.
« Our Executive Slaves will come get you in a Black Van, be prepared to be searched down once you’ve enter the plantation.
