The Evolution of COINTELPRO: Modern Tactics on Social Media
In recent months, a thought-provoking concept has been forming in my mind, one that I believe deserves attention and discussion. It centers around the pervasive influence of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, and raises the question: Could these platforms be modern embodiments of old tactics once employed by initiatives like COINTELPRO?
Many people might believe that COINTELPRO, a covert FBI program aimed at surveilling and infiltrating civil rights organizations, is a relic of the past. Yet, I suggest that rather than disappearing, its methodologies have evolved and adapted, finding new homes on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter.
As a prominent Black content creator on TikTok, I have witnessed firsthand the dynamics of online engagement within the Black community. With a growing audience and a substantial following that puts my YouTube account—currently boasting 24,000 subscribers—in perspective, I am deeply invested in the trends, movements, and conversations that unfold in these digital spaces.
One particular observation stands out: a Black creator who serves in the Air Force consistently captures attention during moments of turmoil, particularly following tragic events like police shootings. The timing of his appearances, paired with his dramatized speeches that feel almost scripted, raises my suspicions about the intent behind such performances. They seem designed not to promote unity, but rather to sow division.
This pattern of suspicious timing around moments of Black solidarity is troubling. Take, for example, the Mississippi Boat Brawl, which initially sparked a sense of community and unity. Soon after, divisive controversies seemed to flood in. Just as discussions surrounding reparations gained traction on social media, the “Brick Lady” incident emerged, cleverly timed to create conflict between Black men and women—effectively stifling the reparations dialogue. Recent events, such as the fallout from the Alabama boat brawl, have followed suit, with divisive narratives targeting Black men surfacing right on cue.
The consistency of these incidents suggests that there may be more at play than chance. The “Brick Lady” incident stands out in particular; it appeared all too conveniently after a significant moment of solidarity, and the details raised red flags for anyone willing to investigate. Throughout history, there have been instances of disinformation and manipulation aimed at destabilizing Black communities, echoing tactics from political figures who have historically exploited racial fears for gain.
Interestingly, I was not the first to recognize these worrying patterns. My
