In a groundbreaking move to address the rate at which Black youth and young women go missing in the United States, California has taken a significant step forward. On Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 673 into law, making California the first state in the nation to create the “Ebony Alert” system.
Introducing the Ebony Alert System
Similar to the well-known Amber or Silver alerts, this statewide alert system aims explicitly to locate and bring attention to missing Black children and young Black women aged between 12 and 25.
Bridging the Resource Gap
In the United States, tens of thousands of Black youth and women go missing each year, but their cases rarely garner national attention or the resources necessary to find them.
A Solution to a Growing Problem
The Ebony Alert system, set to go into effect on January 1, 2024, will utilize a range of platforms, including electronic highway signs, television, radio, and social media, to disseminate information about missing Black individuals.
Multiple Platforms, One Goal
The goal is to ensure that vital resources and attention are dedicated to locating missing Black children and women, bridging the gap in resources and coverage that often exists between cases involving white individuals and those of color.
The Driving Force
State Senator Steven Bradford, the driving force behind this initiative, expressed his gratitude for Newsom’s support.
Equality in Resources
In a statement, he highlighted the crucial disparity in resources allocated for searching for missing white individuals versus those of color in California.
“The Ebony Alert will ensure that vital resources and attention are given so we can bring home missing Black children and women in the same way we search for any missing child and missing person,” Bradford emphasized.
Alarming Statistics
The urgency of this issue becomes evident when considering the statistics. Each year, the U.S. reports over 600,000 missing people.
Black Youth in Missing Persons Cases
In 2022, the nation reported a staggering 546,000 missing individuals, with 36% of these cases involving Black youth and women.
A Disproportionate Impact
Even though Black people constitute 13% of the U.S. population, nearly 40% of missing person cases involve people of color, as reported by the Black and Missing Foundation.
A Race Against Time
Natalie Wilson, co-founder of the Black and Missing Foundation, stressed the critical need for continued awareness and policy advocacy.
In a statement to NPR, she underlined the importance of swift action in missing persons cases. Time is often of the essence, making immediate attention and resources crucial.
Collaborating With Media and Law Enforcement
Wilson expressed hope that the Ebony Alert system will work closely with the media and law enforcement agencies to support families desperately searching for their missing loved ones.
Every Missing Person Matters
She stated, “We must ensure that every missing person is given the same amount of attention and resources, regardless of their race or socioeconomic status.”
Acknowledging Urgency
The Ebony Alert system represents a significant stride toward addressing the alleged disparity in attention and resources allocated to missing Black children and young women, ensuring that they receive swift response and support.
Safeguarding Society Irrespective of Background
It not only acknowledges the urgency of the issue but also signifies a commitment to safeguarding every member of society, irrespective of their background.
Leading by Example
The success of the Ebony Alert system may serve as a model for other search efforts across the nation.
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The post “Bring Home Missing Black Children” – California’s New “Ebony Alert” Is Revolutionizing How We Search for Missing Black Youth and Women first appeared on Mama Say What?!
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