Racist ‘plantation allocation’ lyrics spark outrage and investigations across the country

ARLINGTON, Va. (WJLA) — An alarming and racist message is being sent to some in Virginia, DC and across the United States, telling people they have been “selected to pick cotton” on a “nearby plantation.”

The posts, which came days after the election, were condemned by the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and the DC Attorney General’s Office (OAG). DC’s OAG told WJLA they are investigating the reports further.

According to the message, the recipient is told to gather their belongings and report to a location at a certain time so it can be transported to a plantation. Screenshots of text messages shared on social media show slight variations in the language and which plantation the recipient will go to. The person is also told that he will be searched before being assigned to a plantation group, some texts read.

Students at Howard University in D.C. reportedly received the messages, a university spokesperson told WJLA.

Corinne Dorsey, a DC resident, received the text message Wednesday afternoon.

“I was surprised at first,” Dorsey said.

Dorsey added that she and others had discussed receiving the text messages.

We were a little scared because who would send that message? It was a very mean joke and we realized that this is definitely something happening, not just in DC, but in other parts of the country as well,” she added.

The FBI steps in to investigate after receiving multiple calls and reports.

“The FBI is aware of the offensive and racist text messages being sent to individuals across the country and is in contact with the Department of Justice and other federal authorities regarding this matter. As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities.”

The message came just days after Donald Trump was elected the 47th president, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris.

“The fact that someone thought it was OK to send that message was significant,” Dorsey said. “It was a message intended to attack the people who were unfortunately very hurt by the election results.”

The (DC) Office of the Attorney General is aware of racist text messages sent to District residents and unequivocally condemns them,” a DC OAG spokesperson said in a statement to 7News. “Anyone who receives these messages should contact our civil rights department by calling 202. -727-3400 or email [email protected]. If you believe your safety is at risk, please contact your local police.

Those in Virginia who received the messages are asked to contact their local FBI field office at 1-800-225-5324 or submit a tip online. click here.

WJLA contacted the Maryland attorney general’s office, which said the messages appear to be part of a nationwide campaign targeting Black people, typically targeting college-age students and college students.

Students in South Carolina, Tennessee and Missouri and high school students in Pennsylvania reported receiving the message, according to The Associated Press. Some in California, Alabama, New York and Ohio also reportedly received the anonymously sent messages, the AP continued.

“These messages are horrific, unacceptable and will not be tolerated. If you have received one of these text messages, I am asking you to come forward and report it,” Attorney General Brown said in a statement. “I am committed to protecting the rights of all Marylanders. There is no home for hate in Maryland.”

Those in Maryland who received the text messages are asked to file a complaint with them Division of Civil Rightsor to the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention.