TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Racist text messages sent nationwide telling people they were selected “as slaves” or chosen to pick cotton are being investigated by law enforcement agencies across the country, including the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office Ohio.

People here in Toledo who got the message and the NAACP are speaking out.

The vile messages come in the wake of a highly contentious election, with people in several states taking to social media to express their outrage.

“I don’t even know how to put into words how disturbing this all is, I’m just very concerned,” said one person who received the message.

She is just one of thousands of black Americans who received the text message.

The message she received read:

“Greetings, you have been chosen as a slave. We will pick you up at 12 sharp at the latest. Put all your things together. I’ll have my executive slaves pick you up in a purple van. Be ready to be sought after. Now you’re with us, you’ll always be with Plantation G. Welcome.”

“How did they get our information to send us that text,” she asked.

Due to concerns for her safety, 13 Action News is withholding her identity.

After trying to call the number that sent the message, no one picked up.

“It makes me fear for my safety, it makes me wonder what they’re really going to do, especially because not everyone is getting it nationally, only certain people,” she added.

Toledo’s black community leaders are speaking out.

“We are so disappointed by these statements,” said Reverend Dr. WL Perryman Jr. President of the Toledo NAACP.

He adds that while they are disappointed, they are not discouraged.

“Just keep fighting, it’s not the end, it’s a chance for a new moment in our shared journey to freedom and justice, and I’d ask our community to join us as we double down on our vision to protect our communities and build . a future where we can all thrive,” Perryman said.

The source of the mass text messages is still unknown at this time.

Attorney General David Yost’s office confirms they are aware of the messages and are investigating them.

The Toledo NAACP released this statement:

“As president of the Toledo Chapter of the NAACP, we are dismayed by the statements being posted in our Facebook community regarding cotton picking and slavery.

This moment in time requires endurance and unwavering vigilance. We will not be deterred from our mission.

Our vision of fair policies, safe communities and meaningful opportunities for our people continues.

We will hold leaders accountable, amplify our voices, and advocate fiercely for reforms that protect the health, safety, and prosperity of every black person in this nation.

Our priorities are clear:

• Advancing racial justice means fighting directly against discriminatory practices to build a fairer society for all.

• Creating an inclusive economy that works for everyone and one that prioritizes inclusion.

• Building health equity for families of color by expanding access to affordable, high-quality health care and addressing disparities that affect our communities.

• Advancing environmental justice to protect communities of color from the harmful effects of pollution and reverse climate change.

• Ensuring equal access to education through resources and advocacy to guarantee our children the educational opportunities they deserve.

• Protecting women’s rights by defending access and autonomy in reproductive health care, workplace protections and more.

• Ensuring access to the vote to protect everyone’s fundamental right to freely participate in democracy.

This is not the end. It is the chance of a new moment in our common journey towards freedom and justice. Join us as we double down, empowered by a vision to protect our communities and build a future where we can all thrive.

For our community,

Toledo NAACP 3204 President naacptoledo.org Reverend Dr. WL Perryman Jr. – President.

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