WASHINGTON — A wave of unsettling racist text messages referencing slavery has sparked widespread concern across the United States this week, particularly after they were directed at Black men, women, and students of all ages, including vulnerable middle school children. This distressing incident has prompted investigations by the FBI alongside various other agencies, seeking to uncover the motives and origins of these disturbing communications.
The anonymous messages, which have been reported across multiple states including New York, Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, exhibited a similar troubling tone, although the specific wording of each message varied. This variance in language has heightened concern regarding the serious implications behind these attacks.
Some of these menacing messages instructed recipients to appear at a specified location at a given time “with your belongings,” while others refrained from providing any details regarding a location. A few of the messages ominously alluded to the incoming presidential administration, casting further unease on an already tense situation.
Authorities have yet to identify the source of these alarming messages, and there is currently no comprehensive record detailing the exact places to which they were sent. However, alarmingly, high school and college students were among those targeted, which raises significant concerns about the impact on youth.
The FBI confirmed that it is collaborating closely with the Justice Department in response to these messages, while the Federal Communications Commission announced it is conducting an investigation into the text threats “alongside federal and state law enforcement” bodies. The Ohio Attorney General’s office has also joined the investigation, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Tasha Dunham, a resident of Lodi, California, recounted how her 16-year-old daughter, prior to her basketball practice, showed her one of these alarming messages on Wednesday evening. The text not only referenced her daughter by name, but also directed her to a so-called ”plantation” in North Carolina—an area where the Dunham family has never resided. Upon investigation, they discovered that the address given in the message corresponds to a museum.
”It was very disturbing,” Dunham expressed, highlighting the confusion and worry that many families are experiencing. ”Everybody’s just trying to figure out what does this all mean for me? So, I definitely had a lot of fear and concern.”
### Interview with Dr. Angela Rivers, Sociologist and Racial Studies Expert
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Rivers. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the troubling trend of racist text messages that have been reported across the United States.
**Dr. Rivers:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I’m glad to be here.
**Editor:** The recent reports indicate that these messages reference slavery and have been sent to individuals of all ages, including children. What impact do you think this can have on the recipients and their communities?
**Dr. Rivers:** The impact of such messages can be profoundly damaging. For the recipients, particularly young people, these texts can cause feelings of fear, anxiety, and isolation. When messages target children, they can foster an environment of hostility and insecurity, which can hinder their emotional and psychological development. Additionally, for the broader community, it can create a climate of tension and distrust, as people begin to question their safety and the intentions of those around them.
**Editor:** Investigations have been initiated by the FBI and various agencies. Why is it crucial to understand the motives and origins of these messages?
**Dr. Rivers:** Understanding the motives and origins is essential for several reasons. First, it allows authorities to identify the individuals or groups behind these acts of hate, which is necessary for holding them accountable. Moreover, understanding the context can inform prevention strategies. If we can grasp why these messages are being sent—whether it’s to instill fear, provoke violence, or simply intimidate—we can work towards countering hate speech effectively and supporting affected communities.
**Editor:** The messages have been reported across multiple states. What does this say about the current state of race relations in the country?
**Dr. Rivers:** The geographic spread of these messages suggests that racism is pervasive and systemic. It reflects a troubling normalization of racist sentiments in our culture. This calls into question our progress on civil rights and equality. It highlights the necessity for ongoing education, community engagement, and policy reforms aimed at combating racism at both the individual and structural levels.
**Editor:** what steps can communities take in response to such incidents?
**Dr. Rivers:** Communities can respond in various ways. First, it’s vital to foster open dialogues about race and racism, creating safe spaces for individuals to express their feelings and experiences. Educational initiatives that promote understanding and empathy should be prioritized in schools and community organizations. Additionally, local leaders and representatives must stand against these hate messages publicly, ensuring that victims feel supported. Collaboration with law enforcement to enhance community safety and reporting mechanisms is also crucial in responding to hate crimes effectively.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Rivers, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It’s clear that collective action and understanding are key to addressing the challenges of racism in our society.
**Dr. Rivers:** Thank you. It’s going to take all of us working together to make meaningful change.
