In multiple states, Black women, men, and students have reported receiving racist text messages from unknown sources. Thee texts urge them to report to a plantation to pick cotton, report for slavery, and other morally reprehensible acts. The FBI has been made aware of these developments.“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,” the FBI said in a statement Thursday.NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson shared this statement after hearing the news:“The unfortunate reality of electing a President who, historically has embraced, and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes.  These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday’s election results.We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – there is no place for hate in a democracy. The threat—and the mention of slavery in 2024—is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.  The Southern Poverty Law Center tracks hate incidents nationwide. The SPLC says the texts are, “a public spectacle of hatred and racism that makes a mockery of our civil rights history.”“The text sent to young Black people, including students at Alabama State University and the University of Alabama, is a public spectacle of hatred and racism that makes a mockery of our civil rights history,” said Margaret Huang, SPLC president and CEO. “Hate speech has no place in the South or in our nation.“Leaders at all levels must condemn anti-Black racism, in any form, whenever we see it, and we must follow our words with actions that advance racial justice and build an inclusive democracy where every person feels safe and welcome in their community,” Huang said.Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA) is the 2nd Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. He released a statement Friday, calling the mass text messages “vile.”“It is deeply disturbing to learn that vile, racist, and threatening messages are being directed at young African Americans across our nation, including on our college campuses. Such acts of hatred have no place in our society. They are an affront to the principles of equality, respect, and unity that form the very foundation of our democracy.“These malicious actions, intended to spread fear and division, remind us of the work that remains in combating hate and ensuring safety and dignity for all Americans. Let it be clear: we will not be intimidated or silenced. Those who seek to sow discord will not succeed.“We stand united against all forms of extremism, and we reaffirm our commitment to a nation where every individual is treated with respect and dignity. Together, we will confront this darkness with resilience, and we will continue to build a future rooted in justice and inclusion.”The post Racist text messages target Black individuals, urging them to pick cotton on plantation appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.