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On November 6, several Black college students across the southern USA received random texts sharing how they had been “selected to pick cotton” from plantations. 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. Discretion is advised.
The text messages are similar in nature but often differ in details such as location, time, date, and vehicle description, among others. For instance, the Instagram page of The Neighborhood Talk shared quite a few samples such as a woman Arleta Trevick McCall’s post on The University of Alabama Black Families page.
“Greetings, you have been selected to pick cotton at the nearest plantation. Be ready at 1:00 pm SHARP with your belongings. Our Executive Slaves will come get you in a Brown Van, be prepared to be searched down once you’ve enter the plantation. You are in Plantation Group C. Good day,” the text read.
The user in her caption claimed how her daughter received the message on Wednesday and how “numerous Black students” were receiving the same. The woman even mentioned calling the number from where the text came, but claimed there was no answer, adding, “THIS IS NOT OK!!!”
Notably, a few of the texts claimed to be from “The Trump Administration” or have the words “after President Trump takes office” written on them. Students from Clemson University in South Carolina, Alabama State University, and the University of Alabama were primarily reported to have received the text messages.
In the wake of this, the internet has been showing their disgust and putting those responsible under backlash. For instance, Instagram user @tiredmey commented on The Neighborhood Talk’s post by writing:
“These next 4 years bout to be tough.”
Many joined the conversation on other social media platforms such as X and shared similar disappointed and angered reactions.
“I AINT PICKIN SHIIII,” a person wrote.
“Packing for Canada as we speak,” one person wrote.
“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?” another person asked.
Others continued to weigh in and point out how the messages were neither funny nor okay.
“Them picking cotton texts not funny. But whatever,” a netizen wrote.
“Black forces cus don’t start ur sh*t today, I ain't in the mood,” one netizen wrote.
“This isn’t even sum to joke about. They are sick, I'm sorry,” an individual wrote.
“The fact that people are sending out mass cotton picking text messages is crazy. The rabbit hole of thinking that sh*t is funny goes even deeper when you realize your phone company can sell your name and number whenever they need the money to whoever,” wrote another.
The University of Alabama is investigating the picking of cotton texts
On Wednesday, non-White college students from the southern states of the country received texts asking them to be prepared to “pick cotton” or be “house slaves.” In the wake of these disturbing messages, the University of Alabama has opened an investigation and condemned the same.
"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," Deidre Simmons, the executive director of communications of the university shared in a statement.
It went on to add:
"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."
Meanwhile, the Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares’ Office also denounced the discriminatory texts. 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. So far, it remains unclear whether a single individual or group is behind the same.
The texts came on the day of the 2024 presidential election results which confirmed Donald Trump as the 47th President-elect of the USA.
