Today, we must have a serious conversation about a crisis that’s often overlooked—the disappearance of Black women, girls, and children. At a time when social media can instantly connect billions of people around the world, it’s heartbreaking to see that these stories rarely receive the attention they deserve.
It’s time for us, as a community, to take this issue seriously, to prioritize the safety of our women and children, and to work together to make a real difference.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Here’s a sobering fact: According to The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, in 2022, there were 271,493 girls and women reported missing in the United States. Of those, 97,924—or over 36%—were Black women and girls. This is especially shocking when you consider that Black women and girls only make up about 14% of the U.S. female population.
Think about that for a moment. Imagine it was your child, your sister, your mother, or your daughter who went missing. Imagine the pain of calling for help and feeling like no one is listening. That’s a fear no one should have to endure. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a call to action. The truth is, solving this crisis will take all of us working together. Everyone has a role to play, and here’s how we can start.
For Our Sisters and Young Women
Let’s talk about social media. It’s powerful, but it can also be dangerous. For some of our young women sharing personal details—like when you’re alone, where you live, or engaging in risky behavior—can make you a target. Predators don’t care how strong, independent, or successful you are as a female. They’re watching for vulnerabilities, and they’re ready to exploit them.
We have to be smart about safety. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid walking alone, and have real, honest conversations with your daughters about how to use social media responsibly. This isn’t about living in fear—it’s about being prepared and staying safe.
For the Community, Especially Our Men
This is a call to action for the men in our community. We need you to step up and be protectors. Whether it’s ensuring children get to school safely in the early morning hours or keeping an eye on your neighborhood, vigilance matters.
It’s simple but critical: Put the phone down when you’re out in public. Notice the suspicious car parked on the corner. Pay attention to strangers who seem out of place. These small actions could make all the difference.
Reevaluating Our Culture
We also need to have a tough conversation about the culture being promoted in the media. The glorification of strip culture, hypersexualized behavior, and promiscuity sends the wrong message to our young women. Not all attention is good attention, and we need to teach our girls to recognize the difference. Let’s shift the narrative. Let’s promote self-respect, dignity, and community-minded thinking.
The Bigger Picture
The message is simple but urgent: We must focus on safety. We must work together to protect our women and children and ensure that everyone makes it home safely. This isn’t just about reacting to a crisis—it’s about preventing one.
To do this, we need to rebuild the sense of community that our ancestors relied on. Back then, everyone had a role to play, and everyone looked out for one another. That’s the kind of village we need to recreate today.
If you are concerned about missing women and children, here are hotlines and resources that specialize in these cases, including those specific to the Black community:
General Hotlines:
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC):Hotline: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) Available 24/7 to report missing children or seek assistance in locating them.
National Domestic Violence Hotline (for situations involving abduction by a partner):Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)Text: Text "START" to 88788
Provides resources for those dealing with domestic violence, which can sometimes be linked to missing persons.
Black and Missing Foundation, Inc.: Hotline: 1-877-97-BAMFI (1-877-972-2634)
Dedicated to raising awareness and helping locate missing persons in the Black community.
The AWARE Foundation: Focuses on promoting safety awareness and advocacy for missing persons, including underrepresented groups like Black women and children. Website: https://www.theawarefoundationofva.org
Always contact your local law enforcement agency to report a missing person immediately. Provide detailed information and request that the case be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
For the Black community, mobilizing local groups, churches, and grassroots organizations can amplify the search for missing persons. Programs like curfew groups and neighborhood watches can help enhance safety. Lets start the work today!
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