Disclaimer: This article contains references to racially sensitive content, which may be distressing for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
On Wednesday (November 6), hours after Trump was declared the winner of the 2024 presidential elections, several Black college students received random texts sharing how they’d been “selected to pick cotton from plantations.”
A few other texts even mentioned how Black college students were “selected to be house slaves.”
Greetings,
You have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. Be ready at
12 AM SHARP 11/15/24 with your belongings. Our Masters will come get you in a Black van, be prepared to be searched down once you’ve enter the plantation. You are in Plantation Group 24.— ???? (@exm4L) November 6, 2024
The user in the caption claimed her daughter and several other students received similar messages but after calling the number, there was no answer.
It is unclear who sent the messages, but a few of the texts claimed to be from “The Trump administration” or featured the words “after President Trump takes office” written on them.
Black students from Alabama State University, Clemson University in South Carolina, and the University of Alabama were primarily reported to have received the “plantation” texts.
SO I GOTTA GO PICK COTTON NOW ???????????????????? OMGGG pic.twitter.com/BEMv0VJrDC
— Siahhh (@itsreallysiah) November 6, 2024
and
Black students at the University of Alabama randomly getting texts/emails saying they have been selected to pick cotton on the plantation but everything is gonna be normal right
— Buck aka Casey Mize’s #1 Fan (@ThreeFoxHounds) November 6, 2024
and
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
and
the plantation slavery texts are really insane because they had to come from somebody who knows that you’re black. like these are coworkers, classmates & colleagues.
— BIGMAMAZA. ???? (@noigzana) November 7, 2024
The University of Alabama has opened an investigation and publicly condemned the same. In a statement to the press, Deidre Simmons, the executive director of communications of the university shared:
“It is our understanding that individuals across the country have received these disgusting messages. This has been reported to authorities, and we’re asking anyone who may have information regarding these messages to report it to the appropriate authorities.”
He added: “UA students who have seen or received such messages are also encouraged to contact the Office of Student Care and Well-Being for any additional support that may be needed.”
The Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyare’s Office also condemned the discriminatory texts saying that their office was “aware” of the texts and “unequivocally condemns them.”
They also urged the students and anyone else who received the texts to not hesitate to contact law enforcement.
“The Attorney General’s Office is aware of these text messages and unequivocally condemns them. Anyone who believes themselves to be under threat should not hesitate to contact local authorities and their local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (or 1-800-225-5324) or visiting FBI.gov/tips,” they shared.
A spokesperson with the FBI said that, per policy, they cannot confirm or deny whether they’re investigating. But they request anyone receiving threatening messages to report it to local authorities.
