Racist Tweet About Lottery Winner Quickly Deleted From Atlanta Newspaper's Feed

'40 acres and a whole lotta mules'

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

The past few years have seen many a regrettable tweet from supposedly professional companies, but this one just might be the most cringe-worthy of them all. This morning, the Atlanta Journal Constitution posted a tweet saying, "$1M GA Lottery winner Willie Lynch can get 40 acres and a whole lotta mules."

The tweet linked to a brief article on lottery winners, which did not include any sort of "40 acres and a mule" reference. The phrase refers to a post-Civil War proposal to help freed slaves begin new lives by giving them land previously held by whites.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in