These 17 Blatantly Racist Moments Are Bound to Creep You Out

From songs about lynching to Blackface at high schools, here are 17 recent times when white Americans got a little too comfortable with being racist.

When it comes down to race in this nation, Black Americans still feel a thick tension. Continuous cuts to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and Black politicians being threatened on top of everyday racist attacks are clear examples that some folks are a little too comfortable with spewing racism… And it’s time we talk seriously about it.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
That’s So Raven Dad Pleads For Donations From Hospital Bed

President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again — or white again as former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi famously called the slogan— has seemingly emboldened many Americans to share their real thoughts about Black people. Unfortunately for us, however, these dangerous opinions have devastating consequences. Just take a look at some of the many examples of racists and MAGA supporters coming for Black Americans.

White Man Allegedly Threatens Black Man

Jarvis McKenzie, a Black man from South Carolina, wants his story to lead to real change in the state– one of only two with no hate crime laws. According to McKenzie, he was targeted by a white man named Jonathan Felkel while on the way to work, the Guardian reported. On July 17, McKenzie said Felkel picked up a rifle and fired over his head while shouting “you better get running, boy!” Felkel was later arrested, according to WIS 10. The case is considered Richland County’s first ever hate crime case.

Blackface at Ga. High School

Screenshot from YouTube

We previously told you members of the Fayetteville, Ga. community are up in arms after five white people showed up at Whitewater High School dressed in complete Blackface. The racist spectacle happened during a “black-out” themed volleyball game. Pictures of the five individuals– covered from head to toe in black paint while wearing curly afros and shirts with letters written on them– have gone viral, causing the school’s principal and the NAACP to condemn the act.

Laura Loomer v. Jasmine Crockett

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) questions witnesses during a roundtable discussion on Supreme Court Ethics conducted by Democrats of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee Image: Getty Images Jemal Countess

As we told you yesterday, far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer took to X calling Crockett a “ghetto black bitch” after the congresswoman called out white Democrats, who voted to honor far-right conservative Charlie Kirk. He was assassinated on Sept. 10, and ever since then, MAGA has made a push to honor his legacy, despite Kirk being a known racist and bigot– especially against Black Americans. After Crockett voiced her frustrations, Loomer was quick to call the Texan out of her name, which has clear racial undertones. Crockett has yet to respond.

Pa. Corrections Officer Waves Racist Bat

Screenshot taken from CBS News

Early this year, an employee at Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) in Pittsburg was suspended after a racist video resurfaced online. Brian Davis was featured in a now-deleted Instagram video showing him wearing a Patriots sweatshirt while holding a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire. Written on the bat was “n****r beater,” which expectedly sparked outrage for civil rights groups. Davis reported has worked for ACJ since 2018.

Stephen Miller Gives Charlie Kirk’s Eulogy

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 11: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as Senior Advisor to the President Stephen Miller (C) listens during a round-table discussion on border security and safe communities with State, local, and community leaders in the Cabinet Room of the White House on January 11, 2019 in Washington, DC. As the second-longest government shut down continues, Democrats and Republicans have not found a compromise for border security funding and President Donald Trump’s proposed wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Trump aide Stephen Miller’s speech at Charlie Kirk memorial has drawn major pushback from folks accusing Miller of taking things too far. “We are the storm. And our enemies cannot comprehend our strength, our determination, our resolve, our passion,” he said before adding, “Our lineage and our legacy hails back to Athens, to Rome, to Philadelphia, to Monticello. Our ancestors built the cities. They produced the art and architecture. They built the industry.” Miller went on to paint Trump and MAGA as a good force against an evil enemy, which has been compared to a the rhetoric of Joseph Goebbels, chief propagandist for the Nazi Party during World War II.

Racist TikTok Troll Gets His Karma

Tamo, a Black YouTube gamer known on TikTok as @norratamo, got his revenge against a racist online troll who kept calling him racial slurs. We previously told you, Tamo was live-streaming when the slurs started flooding his comments. He later announced he took action against the racist.

“To the white guy that called me slurs over and over again in my livestream the other night for no reason, guess what, you’re going to get kicked out of the United States Navy,” Tamo said on TikTok.“You know how they tell us we should be careful what we do on social media because there could be real life consequences? Hi, my name is real life consequences. I’ve done a thorough background check and now I know everything about you.”

Neo-Nazism Rising in the U.S.

WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 12: White supremacists, neo-Nazis, members of the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups, gather for the Unite the Right rally in Lafayette Park across from the White House August 12, 2018 in Washington, DC. Thousands of protesters are expected to demonstrate against the ‘white civil rights’ rally, which was planned by the organizer of last yearÕs deadly rally in Charlottesville, Virginia (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Within the last few years, white supremacy demonstrations have been occurring more often in compared to past decades, according to Newsweek. Last summer was dubbed the “Summer of Hate” after 64 white supremacist events went down across 25 states. In many cases, these demonstrations were meant to invoke fear among minority groups, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported.

Shiloh Hendrix Gets Donations After Racist Tirade

After being caught on video spewing slurs at a young Black boy, a white woman named Shiloh Hendrix became known as the “playground Karen.” Hendrix went on to create a fundraiser on GiveSendGo— similar to GoFundMe– to “protect” her family. Despite cries from civil rights activists, the CFO of GiveSendGo defended an individual’s right to fundraise and to free expression.

“Shiloh is going through a dark moment, just as much as this other family is, and we want to be a light in all of these moments,” CFO Jacob Wells said. “When you start going down the road of cancellation and cancel culture, it actually brings the very things that we say that we’re against.” In total, Hendrix has raised $828,866.

Minnesota prosecutors said last month Hendrix will be charged with three counts of misdemeanor disorderly conduct. We told you each count against her carries a maximum penalty of three months behind bars and a $1,000 fine.

Rep. Diana Harshbarger Attacks Rep. Al Green

Texas Rep. Al Green made headlines in February when he interrupted Trump’s first congressional address, as The Root previously reported. Tenn. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, who was in the Capitol when it happened, later took to “the Christian F.A.M.E. Ministries” podcast to attack him. “I wanted to go over there and grab a few of ‘em,” Harshbarger said of Democrats present for Green’s demonstration.

She added, “Al Green was over here with his cane, and I’m like ‘Gosh dang it, boy,’” she shockingly said. But if the “boy” comment wasn’t fire enough, Harshbarger fueled her own flames with the suggestion that Green’s cane is fake. “He does not need that cane. That cane is a prop,” she alleged. “I swear it’s not real.”

MAGA Rappers Drop Song About Lynching

Screenshot from YouTube

Self-proclaimed rappers Forgiato Blow and JJ Lawhorn– two known MAGA supporters– released a song called “Good vs Evil,” which gives a tutorial on how to lynch someone. On the record, the two men sing, “We need a big tall tree and a short piece of rope / hang ‘em up high at sundown.” If that wasn’t bad enough, Lawhorn continues the hook saying “Leave ’em swinging so the folks all know / you don’t mess around in our town.” According to Statistica, thousands of Black people were lynched between 1882 and 1968. The racist practice was condemned decades ago.

Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith Defends Slavery

Ind. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith took to X to shockingly defend a slavery-era law. He said, “the Three-Fifths Compromise is not a pro-discrimination compromise.” Beckwith went on to defend the agreement saying, “Know your history. Go back and study the documents. Read them for yourself like I have.” He continued inaccurately stating the racist agreement “and many other things like that were designed to make sure that justice was equal for all people and equality really meant equality for all.”

This was in direct response to Democrats in the Senate comparing a bill getting rid of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education to the Three-Fifths Compromise. The GOP led legislation was ultimately passed back in April, according to Fox News.

MAGA Dentist Pleads Guilty to Sending Threats

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office 

In 2020, we reported Richard Kantwill, a former dentist in Tampa and Trump supporter, was accused of sending more than 100 racist threats to folks who simply don’t like the president. His threats caught the attention of the FBI, who indicted him on three counts of interstate transmission of a threat to injure. Kantwill pled guilty in 2024, and he was sentenced to 24 months behind bars, according to the Department of Justice.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Comes for Barack Obama

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 07: U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) speaks during the hearing on “Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” held by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Subcommittee at the U.S. Capitol on May 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. The hearing comes after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February that withholds federal funding from programs that allow transgender women and girls to compete in women’s sports events. (Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Former President Barack Obama has withstood his fair share of racially-charged insults since he became president in 2008. But even with him being nine years removed from the White House, Obama still remains a key topic of discussion for MAGA. Ga. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene once said Obama only won because of his skin color before she accused Democrats of using identity politics to divide the nation, according to FOX 5. Not only that but Greene has also repeated the baseless birtherism conspiracy theory that Obama is Muslim and not American, CNN reported.

Long Beach Students Spell Out Slur With T-shirts

Screenshot: NBC 4 News
Screenshot: NBC 4 News

A high school parent posted a now-viral photo of students during a school assembly wearing offensive T-shirts. “Yesterday my son showed me a picture circulating online of students at Cabrillo high school where ASB students gather together to form a derogatory statement in their shirts,” the parent wrote on social media, according to Fox 11 News.

The photo showed eight students— none of whom appear to be Black— all wearing shirts that spell out “i <3 n**gers.” The parent continued saying, “Hundreds of parents were outraged as we have been emailing the district and school just to be hit with vague and AI-like responses.” It’s unclear when exactly the photo was taken, but apparently, none of the students involved received any disciplinary actions directly after the spectacle.

Racists Brutally Carve Slur Onto Black Student’s Chest

Last year, we told the story about how a Black student at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania was violently attacked by his white “friend.” The school’s male swim team members got together for a small gathering in Sept. 2024, but during the event, one white student allegedly carved the N-word onto his Black teammate’s chest using a box cutter.

The alleged aggressor has since been expelled. “We can report now that the individual who scratched a slur onto another person is no longer enrolled at the College,” the private college said in a statement obtained by NBC News.

Sending HBCUs Threats After Charlie Kirk’s Murder

COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA – MAY 18: Spelman graduates arrive at 2025 Spelman College Commencement Ceremony at Georgia International Convention Center on May 18, 2025 in College Park, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been subjected to violent threats for generations. In 2022 alone, Howard University in Washington, D.C. received eight bomb threats– two occurring in less than 72 hours, the university reported. But seemingly in direct response to Charlie Kirk’s death, over 24 HBCUs across the country reported racist threats to their campuses and students, according to the Guardian. Authorities are still unclear who sent these threatening messages to the Black schools, but activists and others online said the timing of these threats coincide with Kirk’s assassination, which explains everything.

Detroit Karen Attacks His Black Neighbors

Screenshot from Hazel Park Police

As we previously reported, Michigan police were called to a neighborhood twice in the same day after a man named Martin Sitto was seen attacking his Black neighbors. The first time they arrived, Sitto was warned to stay away from his neighbors after trespassing and threatening them.

Hours later, police returned to the same house following a call about Sitto physically attacking the same people while yelling that the “white race is ending!” He was arrested and charged with hate crime using force, assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer, assault and battery and trespassing, according to WDIV. His bond was set at $25,000, and he is not allowed to contact the victims.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

All the Fly Fashions Fans Are Popping Out With to See New Michael Jackson Movie

All the Fly Fashions Fans Are Popping Out With to See New Michael Jackson Movie

Fans are showing up and showing all the way out to go see the new Michael Jackson movie. But if you don’t know what to wear, don’t worry—we got you! …
From the 'Red Record' to the iPhone: 15 Times Journalism Saved Black Lives

From the ‘Red Record’ to the iPhone: 15 Times Journalism Saved Black Lives

Take a look at the investigative work that has and continues to shape the Black experience in this country …
How Ryan Clark Went From NFL Star to Media Mogul

How Ryan Clark Went From NFL Star to Media Mogul

The Emmy-winning analyst is bridging the gap between authenticity and expert analysis, one viral conversation at a time …
Can Democrats Flip Senate From Republicans? The Four Key Seats They Need

Can Democrats Flip Senate From Republicans? The Four Key Seats They Need

Democrats haven’t had a clear majority in the U.S. Senate in years… but now, a perfect storm is brewing which would finally put them at an advantage …
Brian McKnight Stirs Up New Drama With Son, and Fans Are Fed Up

Brian McKnight Stirs Up New Drama With Son, and Fans Are Fed Up

Drama is still brewing between Brian McKnight and his oldest son, and the singer’s latest lawsuit has outraged the internet. Here’s what we know …
Exclusive: ACLU Animator Dishes on New Series That Educates Kids on Their Constitutional Rights

Exclusive: ACLU Animator Dishes on New Series That Educates Kids on Their Constitutional Rights

After launching “Know Your Rights University” with the ACLU, Black animator Brandon Lake spoke with us about what it took to get to this point …
The Gut-Wrenching Crisis of Deed Theft in New York, Snatching Black Families from the Homes They’ve Owned for Generations

The Gut-Wrenching Crisis of Deed Theft in New York, Snatching Black Families from the Homes They’ve Owned for Generations

Long-standing Black homeowners in Brooklyn are being targeted by deed theft scams that have led to the loss of their most valuable asset …
This 82-Year-Old Black Fitness Influencer's Workout Routine Will Shock You

This 82-Year-Old Black Fitness Influencer’s Workout Routine Will Shock You

82-year-old fitness influencer Annie Judis is motivating folks to stay healthy with her impressive workout routine …
Who Is D4vd? The Texas Singer Being Investigated for Murder

Who Is D4vd? The Texas Singer Being Investigated for Murder

D4vd has been arrested in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything that led to his arrest …
With Virginia Redistricting Win, Democrats Are Playing Hardball, and They May Have One Black State Senator to Thank

With Virginia Redistricting Win, Democrats Are Playing Hardball, and They May Have One Black State Senator to Thank

Twenty-five years after Republicans redrew Virginia voting maps to shut out a Black female senator, it seems the Democrats are back with a vengeance in 2026 …
Black Woman Changes Her Race on Hinge and the Results Reveal a Startling Truth

Black Woman Changes Her Race on Hinge and the Results Reveal a Startling Truth

If you’re a Black woman failing to get matches on dating apps, it might be because the apps algorithm is hiding your profile …
Solange Debuts New Shaved Hairstyle, But You'll Never Guess How Mom Tina Knowles Responds

Solange Debuts New Shaved Hairstyle, But You’ll Never Guess How Mom Tina Knowles Responds

Solange has never shied away from trying new styles and new looks. And this time around, her mother Tina is sharing some interesting insight about her latest choice! …
Expert: Abuse Rarely Starts With Bruises—Here’s How to Recognize It and Leave Safely

Expert: Abuse Rarely Starts With Bruises—Here’s How to Recognize It and Leave Safely

We spoke with a gender-based violence prevention expert about how abuse starts long before violence becomes visible. She outlines early warning signs and steps for safely leaving …
New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect—And Things Aren't Looking Good

New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect—And Things Aren’t Looking Good

Things are steadily going on a downward spiral for Ivana Ortiz, the woman accused of shooting Rihanna’s LA home in March. Here’s the latest …
Exclusive: Scott Evans Breaks Down How He Created a Safe Space For Black Stars on His Viral YouTube Series

Exclusive: Scott Evans Breaks Down How He Created a Safe Space For Black Stars on His Viral YouTube Series

In an exclusive interview, Scott Evans details his journey as an influential Black media figure and his ultimate duty to the Black community …
Why You Should Not Listen To The Critics Of Michael

Why You Should Not Listen To The Critics Of Michael

Critics are arguing with a movie that was never trying to be what they wanted …
Black Woman Chased by Zara Employees Speaks Out After Viral Mall Incident

Black Woman Chased by Zara Employees Speaks Out After Viral Mall Incident

“Shopping while Black” strikes again after a Black woman went viral being chased out of a Zara store for alleged theft, which police later determined was baseless …
Janet Jackson Responds to Teyana Taylor's Recreation of One of Her Iconic '90s Looks

Janet Jackson Responds to Teyana Taylor’s Recreation of One of Her Iconic ’90s Looks

Teyana Taylor has paid homage to Janet Jackson before, but this time around she’s recreating yet another iconic look! And now Janet herself and fans all over are speaking out about it …
How Trump’s Budget Cuts Are Directly Linked to Hundreds of Thousands of Preventable Deaths

How Trump’s Budget Cuts Are Directly Linked to Hundreds of Thousands of Preventable Deaths

16.5 million uninsured. Toxic air. Global famine. The high price of Trump’s 2026 budget is paid in American lives— and its only getting worse …
Popular Civil Rights Nonprofit’s Shocking Connections to the Ku Klux Klan Alleged in DOJ Indictment

Popular Civil Rights Nonprofit’s Shocking Connections to the Ku Klux Klan Alleged in DOJ Indictment

After the FBI severed ties with Southern Poverty Law Center in October, an 11-count indictment against the civil rights nonprofit is now raising serious alarms …