Racial Rumors

As one of the primary functions of urban legends is the expression of societal concerns and fears, they often take the form of tales that serve to reinforce prejudicial views of different races, ethnicities, and classes.

BURBANK, CA - JUNE 27: Rock and roll musician Elvis Presley performing on the Elvis comeback TV special on June 27, 1968. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Did Elvis Presley’s Backup Singers Walk Out On a Concert After He Said They ‘Smelled Like Catfish’? Here's what happened on stage in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1975.

True

Rumors of Threat Against Black People at Walmart Unfounded, Police Say A piece of copypasta spread baseless rumors around social media.

False

Is This a Real ‘Sundown Town’ Sign Photographed in 2022? Racial discrimination is still a problem for Black drivers, but this sign?

Miscaptioned

Aunt Jemima renamed Pearl Milling Company

Yes, ‘Aunt Jemima’ Has Been Rebranded to ‘Pearl Milling Company’ Cancel culture, or corrected culture?

True

Did Coca-Cola Announce Change to ‘More Relevant’ Black Santa Claus? Did the company's CEO James Quincey really say "The time has come for a Santa...

Mostly False

We looked into whether Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors used donations to the movement to buy a $1.4 million mansion.

No Evidence BLM Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors Used Donations To Buy House Let's talk about home prices in Los Angeles.

Unproven

Were Some Slave Owners Paid Reparations by US Government When Slavery Ended? Reportedly, each former slave owner in the District of Columbia was paid $300 — the...

True

Is this California ‘ASN FLU’ License Plate Real? Some said pictures of the plate ignited "online controversy."

True

The City of Oakland, California, was rumored to be experimenting with a guaranteed income program that provides a monthly, no-strings attached payment of $500.00 to low-income families.

Is Oakland Offering “Guaranteed Income” Only to People of Color? The experimental program originally described itself as solely for families who are Black, indigenous, and...

Mixture

Does ‘Cracker Barrel’ Refer to a Barrel of Whips? Crackers can come in bags, boxes, and yes, even barrels.

Mostly False

Did Paramount Pictures Insist on Casting a White Actor in ‘Coming to America’? "This was back in, you know, the '80s," Eddie Murphy said of the purported studio...

Is Meme Correct in Saying Atlanta Shooting Suspect Was ‘Inspired by Trump’s Racism’? A man is accused of shooting and killing eight people, most of whom of Asian...

Unproven