Nolan Wells supporters organize social media blackout as family continues seeking answers

On Sept. 30, the “Blackout for Nolan Wells” campaign is encouraging a coordinated day of visibility as his family continues to question aspects of the investigation.

A social media campaign calling on supporters to temporarily “go black” is taking shape Wednesday in memory of Nolan Wells, the 18-year-old Black college student whose death in Mississippi has continued to draw questions from his family and supporters.

The campaign, identified as “Blackout for Nolan Wells,” asks participants to change their social media profile pictures, share Wells’ name and help keep his story visible online. The message emphasizes remembrance and solidarity, framing the blackout as a way to prevent Wells’ name from disappearing from public attention.

“For Nolan. For his family. For everyone whose heart has been touched by his life,” read the campaign flyer.

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A post shared by Ms Rachel (@msrachelforlittles)

Children’s educator and internet personality Ms. Rachel is among those urging her audience to participate. In an Instagram post shared Wednesday, Ms. Rachel wrote, “This is today!! Please participate. Justice for Nolan Wells!” and directed followers to the campaign.

The accompanying campaign graphic calls on supporters to make September 30 a coordinated day of visibility, using hashtags including #BlackoutForNolan, #NolanWells and #SayHisName.

The push comes days after a Mississippi grand jury declined to bring criminal charges in connection with Wells’ death. Wells disappeared during a July 4 boating trip to Horn Island, and his body was found two days later. The grand jury said it found no credible evidence of criminal conduct connected to the people who traveled to or from the island with him.

That finding has not ended the family’s search for answers. Wells’ parents and their attorneys have continued to question aspects of the investigation and have called for additional scrutiny. An independent autopsy commissioned by the family listed the cause and manner of death as undetermined, while reporting on the case has also documented injuries that remain a point of dispute.

The campaign does not present a new legal finding about Wells’ death. Instead, its stated purpose is to keep his name and image in public view while his family continues to seek answers.

By asking supporters to change their profile pictures at the same time, organizers are turning social media feeds into a collective memorial. The message is simple, remember Nolan Wells, share his name and keep public attention on the questions surrounding his death.