Black students are receiving racist text messages across the country

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS — The Federal Bureau of Investigation released a notice statement today they say they are cooperating with the Department of Justice, following disturbing text messages that black Americans across the country have been receiving.

Elected officials tell me there is no place for hate in this country, especially in the state of Illinois. Springfield NAACP President Austin Randolph said don’t be afraid to use your voice.

“If you see something, say something,” Randolph said.

After the election results were announced, the FBI said black students in high school and college received text messages saying they had been personally selected to pick cotton on a plantation, something they and the Justice Department are now investigating .

Illinois State Sen. Robert Peters said these types of messages could cause great harm to students.

“These text messages are essentially a signal to young people that they are not allowed to love each other,” Peters said. “Let alone that they love themselves, and that they should not share the world with each other.”

These text messages are according to. shipped in more than ten states, including Illinois ABC News and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.

Randolph said this is a time when students must rely on civil rights organizations to do the work for them.

“Our work, our issues, our concerns are trying to help all people stay safe,” Randolph said. “And the progress, making sure that people’s rights are not violated.”

Senator Peters added that this is a time when everyone should stick together, regardless of the color of their skin.

“We as a state need to model that,” Peters said. “We’re looking for people we may not know in every zip code, in every part of the state, and we’re not going to leave anyone behind.”

The FBI statement added that the messages are now being sent to both the Hispanic and LGBTQ+ communities.

President Randolph said this is a time to be extra aware of your surroundings.

“The world today is different than it was 20,30,50 years ago,” Randolph said. “Your safety and health are more important.”

The FBI urges students who receive these messages to do so contact them to report the details.