US rights groups condemn 'racist' messages targeting black people

WASHINGTON - US rights group NAACP on Nov 7 condemned "racist text messages" reported to have been sent to black Americans across the country after Donald Trump's victory in this week's presidential election.

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Black people in states including North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama and Pennsylvania reported receiving messages from an unknown source telling them "to report to a plantation to pick cotton", the group said in a statement.

"The unfortunate reality of electing a president who, historically has embraced, and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes," said Mr Derrick Johnson, the head of the civil rights group.

Trump, a right-wing populist whose supporters have used racist rhetoric that he has distanced himself from in the past, was re-elected after Nov 5's vote, having made gains with - among others - black voters.