Thousands of Black Women are Missing in America! So Why Are We Not Talking About it?
Introduction ~ Thousands of Black Women Are Missing in America and The Silence is Deafening!
Thousands of Black women are missing in America, and hardly anyone is talking about it. Imagine for a moment that you have a sister, mother, aunt, or daughter who suddenly disappears without a trace. You have no idea where they could be or what happened to them. Now imagine that this is happening to thousands of black women in America, and hardly anyone is talking about it. This is the reality for many families who have loved ones that have gone missing, and it is time that we shed light on this issue.
According to the FBI’s National Crime Information Center, there were over 64,000 missing black women in the United States as of 2020. While this number is staggering, it is important to note that it could be even higher, as many cases go unreported or unclassified. Black women make up just 7% of the population, but they account for over 35% of all missing persons cases. Despite this, they receive significantly less media coverage and attention compared to their white counterparts.
According to the National Crime Information Center, almost 100,000 of the 268,884 women reported missing in 2020 were Black, accounting for over 30% of those reported missing despite only comprising 15% of the female population in the United States. Additionally, a third of the almost 300,000 U.S. girls and women reported missing in 2020 were Black. This issue of erasure and lack of attention towards Black girls and women is a significant problem in the United States. To say that we are in a state of crisis is an understatement. I have been sounding the clarion concerning this issue for nearly two decades, but very little attention has been given to such a monumental reality.
The Disappearance of Black Women
The reasons for the high number of missing black women are complex and varied. Many are victims of domestic violence, sex trafficking, or other forms of violence. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse. However, it is important to note that systemic racism and discrimination also play a significant role in the disappearance of black women.
For example, many black women who go missing are involved in the criminal justice system, whether as victims or offenders. They may not receive the same level of protection or support as white women, and their cases may be dismissed or ignored by law enforcement. Additionally, black women are often hypersexualized and objectified in the media, which can lead to a lack of empathy or urgency in finding them when they go missing.
It is also worth noting that many black women who go missing are from marginalized communities, such as low-income neighborhoods or the LGBTQ+ community. These individuals may not have the same access to resources or support systems as others, which can make it difficult for them to be found or receive help.
The Lack of Media Coverage
One of the most concerning aspects of the issue of missing black women is the lack of media coverage and public attention. When a white person goes missing, it is often national news, with extensive coverage and attention from the public. However, when a black person goes missing, it is often treated as a local or regional issue, with little coverage or attention beyond their immediate community.
This lack of attention can have serious consequences for the families of missing black women. Without media coverage, their cases may not receive the same level of resources or attention from law enforcement. Additionally, the lack of public awareness can make it difficult for individuals to come forward with information or tips.
It is important for the media to prioritize the stories of missing black women and give them the same level of attention and coverage as their white counterparts. This can help to raise awareness, generate leads, and ultimately, bring these women home to their families.
Taking Action
If we want to address the issue of missing black women in America, we need to take action. There are several things that individuals and communities can do to help:
1. Educate yourself: Learn about the issue of missing black women and the systemic factors that contribute to it. Share this information with others to raise awareness.
2. Support organizations: There are many organizations that provide resources and support to families of missing black women, such as the Black and Missing Foundation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Consider donating or volunteering your time to help.
3. Speak up: If you see or hear something that could be helpful in a missing person’s case, speak up. This could mean coming forward with information or simply sharing a missing person’s poster on social media.
By taking action, we can help to bring attention to the issue of missing black women and work towards a future where every woman is valued and protected. For over 15 years, I have championed this cause, and I will continue to push to shed light on this subject until our women and girls are safe.
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Conclusion
The issue of missing black women in America is a complex and deeply troubling problem. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the issue – we must take action to address it. By educating ourselves, supporting organizations, and speaking up, we can help to raise awareness and bring these women home to their families. Every woman deserves to be valued and protected, regardless of their race or background.