Racist Text Messages

Presidential candidate Kamala Harris reiterated, “We’re not going back,” but one wonders: did voters hear and understand that message? Is it merely a coincidence that racist text messages were sent to Black and Brown individuals, particularly young people, a day after the presidential election? That is a question many in the justice system, whether state or federal, seem unprepared to answer. Is it surprising that such messages would surface across multiple states, targeting minorities? The texts, addressed by name to many young people of color, immediately instilled a sense of dread and fear.

The source of these texts has not yet been confirmed, but their content was chilling. The messages, overtly racist in nature, told recipients they had "been selected to pick cotton" at the nearest plantation and instructed them to have their belongings ready for a pickup by “executive slave catchers” at a specific date and time.

If ever there were a “teachable moment” for this nation to engage in honest discussions about race across all levels of society, especially in classrooms, this is that moment. Yet, such a conversation seems unlikely. Too few people have the courage or will to pursue these discussions, as politics—and some would say the influence of divisive forces—are deeply embedded in the issue. While lip service is offered to address the situation because "someone has to say something," this is happening in a country whose history is well-known to the world. Nevertheless, the nation hesitates to take the lead in racial reconciliation.

Donald Trump is unlikely to address the issue because he understands the nature of his support base. Some segments of the religious community may remain silent, as some have rebuked Black churches for supporting Kamala Harris in the presidential election, yet seem willing to overlook Trump’s moral shortcomings. Silence may prevail.

Black parents should talk to their children, assuring them that the days of picking cotton are gone. Inspire them with the story of God delivering His people from Egypt into the Promised Land. Hopefully, those responsible for these messages will be caught and permanently stopped. Until then, we must be our brother’s keeper.