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.

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

Prince William and Kate are carried on portable thrones or litters.

Do Photos Show Prince William and Kate Being Carried by People of Color? The gossip website TMZ produced photographs from 2012 in response to the Duke of Cambridge's...

True

Did KFC Honor Black History Month With This Tweet? The viral tweet was fake, but not as fake as you might think.

Mostly False

Did Dale Earnhardt Sr. Remove Confederate Flag Sticker from Truck? The race-car driving legend's son reportedly once relayed the story.

Mostly True

Did Theodore Roosevelt ‘Punish’ a Mississippi City for Forcing Out a Black Postmaster? The president retaliated when Minnie Cox was pushed out of her position by white residents...

Mostly True

Did a Sign for Starbucks Racial Bias Training Single Out White People? A sign informing Starbucks customers that stores would be closed in order to "educate white...

False