Black and Brown Children Who Are Missing.
We see it all of the time, missing children alerts on TV and radio. However, most of the missing cases you hear about are not of black and brown children or adults. It takes the same time to broadcast the missing child or adult as it does for the others.
Statistics show that for black and brown children and adults the searches and reports to the media are slower and not as much energy goes into the searches for these children and adults.
Why is what we need to be asking and we need our voices heard, We should be screaming at the top of our lungs and not stopping until we have answers and that our missing children get the same energy and attention as the other children.
| Ethnicity | Percentage of US Population | Percentage of Missing Children Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 14% | 31% |
| Native American | 0.8% | 1.5% |
| Multiracial | 4% | 10% |
The data indicates that Black and Native American children are disproportionately represented among missing children reports compared to their representation in the U.S. population.
As for the disparity in media attention, several factors contribute to this issue:
- Media Coverage: Research has shown that missing Black children comprise about 33% of all missing child cases, yet they only account for 7% of media references. This lack of media coverage is often related to the phenomenon known as “Missing White Woman Syndrome,” where missing white children, particularly girls, receive more likes, shares, and views than posts about missing Black children.
- Public Perception: There is a tendency for the media and public to focus more on cases involving young, white, attractive, and often wealthier individuals. This bias can lead to less attention and fewer resources being allocated to cases involving children of color.
- Systemic Issues: The disparities in media attention also reflect broader systemic and historical inequities that people of color face in society. These systemic issues can influence how cases are reported and the urgency with which they are addressed by law enforcement and the media.
It’s important to note that organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) are working to address these disparities by engaging diverse stakeholders and leveraging resources to help keep all children safe and protected1.
California has introduced the EBONY ALERT to help locate black and brown children but I have found the criteria is a bit strict to get a missing child listed on the Alert.
Ebony Alert Criteria
In order for an Ebony Alert to be activated, a law enforcement agency may consider that the following criteria have been met. (Government Code section 8594.14):
1. The missing person is between 12 to 25 years of age.
2. The missing person suffers from a mental or physical disability.
3. The person is missing under circumstances that indicate any of the following:
(A) The missing person’s physical safety may be endangered.
(B) The missing person may be subject to trafficking.
4. The law enforcement agency determines that the person has gone missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
5. The law enforcement agency believes that the person is in danger because of age, health, mental or physical disability, or environment or weather conditions, that the person is in the company of a potentially dangerous person, or that there are other factors indicating that the person may be in peril.
6. The investigating law enforcement agency has utilized available local resources.
7. There is information available that, if disseminated to the public, could assist in the safe recovery of the missing person.
link: https://www.chp.ca.gov/Pages/Ebony-Alert.aspx
Amber Alert Criteria:
- Confirmation that an abduction has occurred.
- The victim is 17 years of age or younger, or has a proven mental or physical disability.
- The victim is in imminent danger of serious injury or death.
- There is information available that, if provided to the public, could assist in the child’s safe recovery.
As you can see the criteria to get an Ebony alert issued is more detailed than the Amber alert Criteria WHY?
Has anyone asked why this is?
Every missing child deserves the spotlight of media attention and the full force of law enforcement efforts. By implementing these strategies, we can help ensure that missing black and brown children receive the same level of support and increase their chances of being found. It is a collective responsibility to address this disparity and work towards a system where every child’s disappearance is met with immediate and widespread action.
The last statistics on this was taken in 2022. for the State of California, however, this report does not give race.
https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/ch-ann-reports-2022.pdf
Ways that we can help get attention for our missing children and adults.
Social Media, create flyers and hashtags… ask everyone to share.
Media, Send faxes of the flyers to all your local news stations, you can find the fax numbers on the new station’s website.
File a police report, and follow up. Do not let the police intimidate you, be that voice…
If they label your child as a runaway, ASK THEM WHY? How do they know your child has run away? what evidence do they have to prove this and to label it as a runaway status?
If you notice that most black or brown children have been labeled as runaways…. so of course law enforcement and new stations are not going to cover the story or go out of their way to search for your child.
Agencies that help get the word out about your missing child(ren)
https://www.missingkids.org/home
https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/othertypes#overview
Contact your local representatives and voice your concerns about missing black and brown children and adults.
The issue of missing black and brown children is a significant concern, and the statistics highlight the need for increased attention and resources. Here are some key statistics:
- According to the California Department of Justice, in 2022, the total number of missing children reports in California was 62,2001.
- The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported that between 2016-2020, 31% of the children reported missing were Black, which is over twice their representation in the U.S. population at 14%2.
- The same report indicated that 1.5% of the children reported missing were Native American, compared to their 0.8% representation in the population2.
- In response to these alarming statistics, California has enacted the “Ebony Alert” system to prioritize missing black youth. In 2022, around 141,000 Black children under the age of 18 were reported missing3.
These statistics underscore the disparities in the reporting and recovery efforts for missing children of color. It’s crucial to continue advocating for equitable treatment and resources for all missing children to ensure their safety and well-being.
Learn more1oag.ca.gov
.jpg)
Recent Comments