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Indiana Native Humorously Raises Funds for Trip ‘Back to Africa’ in Response to Racist Comments on Police Shootings

GoFundMe

GoFundMe

An Indiana man started a GoFundMe campaign for white people to send him “back to Africa” July 8, but he is having a hard time raising funds. Larry Mitchell of Kokoma, is telling racists to “put your money where your hate is” by asking “KKK, Skin Heads and anyone else with like [minded] thinking” to send him to a continent he’s never traveled to.

He is looking to raise $100,000 for the trip, he has earned $330 so far.

“If you want me to go back to Africa I will gladly go,” Mitchell wrote on the joke crowdsourcing page. “You can help make your dream and mine come true.”

The 41-year-old told the New York Daily News he was led to start the campaign after seeing many racist messages reacting to the police shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile last week in Louisiana and Minnesota.

“It kind of shocked me, because we just celebrated Fourth of July and to come back the next week and see people saying ‘Go back to Africa,’ ” he said. “If you want me to go ‘back’ to Africa, then pay for it.”

There are several anonymous $5 donations for the trip and one from someone named fedup whiteguy who would like for the part-time forklift driver to stay on the continent.

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The comment has 50 likes.

Many donors and commenters see the humor in the fundraiser.

Tracie Mae called it “pure genius.”

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Carla Belle also found it funny.

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Some were serious in their criticism of Mitchell’s donation request.

Marie Stanley inaccurately wrote the Indiana native’s ancestors brought him here and questioned why he wanted others to pay for the trip.

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Ray Hawkins called Mitchell “lazy.”

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The aspiring chef told the Daily News he does not expect to meet his goal amount but intends to visit Africa if he does. He is undecided on which country he will visit and if the trip works out, he’ll take the time to learn about regional foods. In addition to funding his travels, the money will go towards opening a new restaurant.

Bobby Whithorne, director of strategic communications at GoFundMe, told the News Mitchell’s page is not against its terms and conditions.

“Ultimately, it’s up to the GoFundMe community of 25 million donors to decide which campaign they support,” he said in a statement.

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