Some messages even mentioned that African American college students were “selected” to be house slaves. A few other messages even mentioned how African American collegegoers were “selected to be house slaves.”
Disclaimer: This article has references to racially biased content that may upset the readers. The text messages have similar content but differ in some details, such as the location, date and time. The Neighborhood Talk’s Instagram page, for example, shared a number of samples including a woman Arleta McCall’s posting on The University of Alabama Black Families Facebook page.
You have been chosen to pick cotton on the nearest plantation. Prepare your belongings and be ready by 1:00 pm. Once you enter the plantation, our Executive Slaves in a Brown Van will be waiting to pick you up. Be prepared to be searched. “You are in Plantation Group C. Have a good day,” read the text.
In her caption, the user claimed that her daughter had received the message Wednesday and “numerous Black Students” also received it. She even said she called the number where the message came from, but that there was no response, and added, “THIS ISN’T OK!! The texts were primarily sent to students at Clemson University in South Carolina, Alabama State University and the University of Alabama. The texts were sent to students at Clemson University, Alabama State University and University of Alabama. Instagram user @tiredmey, for example, commented on The Neighborhood Talk post with the following:
The next four years are going to be difficult.
In a series of cotton-picking text messages, a netizen warns that the coming years will be tough. (Image via Instagram).
Many people joined the discussion on other social media platforms, such as X, and expressed similar disappointment and anger.
“I AINT PIKIN SHIIII,” wrote a person.
One person wrote: “Packing for Canada while we speak.”
Another person asked: “Black students from the University of Alabama are randomly receiving texts/emails stating that they have been chosen to pick cotton at a plantation. But everything will be normal, right?”
Others continue to comment and point out that the messages are neither funny nor OK.
It’s not funny to see them picking cotton. But whatever,” wrote a netizen.
One netizen wrote: “Black forces cus, don’t start your sh*t today. I’m not in the mood.”
This is not something to laugh about. “They are sick, sorry,” a person wrote.
The fact that people send out mass cotton-picking text messages is insane. “The rabbit hole of thinking sh*t’s funny goes deeper when you learn that your phone company is able to sell your number and name whenever they want the money,” wrote another.
The University of Alabama investigates the picking of cotton text messages.
On Tuesday, non-White students in the Southern states of the United States received texts asking that they be ready to “pick” cotton or to be “house slaves”.
We believe that people across the nation have received these offensive messages. The message has been reported to the authorities. We are asking anyone with information about these messages to contact the authorities.
It went on to say:
Students who receive or have seen such messages should contact the Office of Student Care and Well-Being if they need any additional assistance.
They told 13NewsNow that their office was “aware” of the texts and “unequivocally condemns them.” They also urged people to contact local law enforcement or the FBI if they felt threatened. They told 13NewsNow how their office was “aware” of the texts and “unequivocally condemns them.” They also urged people to “not hesitate” to contact local law enforcement or the FBI if they felt they were under any “threat.”
Notably, the text messages came from different and anonymous numbers with area codes inside and outside of Alabama. It is unclear if a group or a single person is responsible for the texts.
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Prem Deshpande edited the book
2024-11-10 02:47:35