GREENSBORO, N.C. — Racist text messages invoking slavery raised alarm across the country this week after they were sent to Black men, women and students, including middle schoolers, prompting inquiries by the FBI and other agencies.
The messages, sent anonymously, were reported in several states, including New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. They generally used a similar tone but varied in wording.
Some instructed the recipient to show up at an address at a particular time “with your belongings,” while others didn't include a location. Some of them mentioned the incoming presidential administration.
It wasn't yet clear who was behind the messages and there was no comprehensive list of where they were sent, but high school and college students were among the recipients.
The FBI said it was in touch with the Justice Department on the messages, and the Federal Communications Commission said it was investigating the texts “alongside federal and state law enforcement.” The Ohio Attorney General's office also said it was looking into the matter.
The messages do not ask for money or personal information. they also don't necessarily threaten anyone, so why do it?
WFMY asked a cyber security expert today what the motive is behind messages like these.
"We know that there are people who do these kinds of things that get kicks out of causing other people mental anguish. There are people who copycat it. You know, that's part of the world that we live in, unfortunately, but it's a reality. Whether anything could be done about this particular incident that will depend on whether any laws were broken, which may or may not be the case," said Joseph Steinberg.
NCA&T sent an email out to students and staff after many students received the text message. The email reads:
Dear Aggie,
We are aware that some of our students have received disturbing text messages this week targeting Black students that have circulated widely across the country. These messages make references to slavery and to the Ku Klux Klan and include threats of violence and subjugation. The messages are of course false and intended to cause fear and anxiety. Let us band together in denying the senders the attention and disturbance they crave.
Media reports indicate the FBI and law enforcement in multiple states are investigating the text messages with help from the NAACP. We hope the perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice.
We also realize how unsettling such messages can be. Coming as they do, in the aftermath of a tumultuous election, we know that for some, they may be a trigger for depression or anxiety. Free resources are available to you if you need support. You may visit the Counseling Services Center in Murphy Hall, Suite 109, or call 336-334-7727 for a consultation.
On Monday (Nov. 11, 2024), A&T will host a Town Hall for students to give you a chance to express yourself and hear from peers regarding their feelings on the topics discussed above. Dr. Jeffrey Haynes, director of the Counseling Center, and Dr. Padonda Webb, director of the Blount Student Health Center, will facilitate the event. Please be on the lookout for additional details Monday on time and location.
As we move closer to Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, please don’t let these disturbances detract from what we hope will be a joyous season or from your schoolwork over the final month of the Fall Semester. Take care of yourself and be there for one another!
Students at some major universities, including Clemson in South Carolina and the University of Alabama, said they received the messages. The Clemson Police Department said in a statement that it had been notified of the “deplorable racially motivated text and email messages” and encouraged anyone who received one to report it.
“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,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalized.”
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Associated Press reporter Summer Ballentine, Ayanna Alexander, Ali Swenson, and Gary Fields contributed to this report from Jefferson City, Missouri.