Black and Missing: The Ongoing National Crisis

             The disposability of the Black body, especially the Black female body, has been a national, or one could argue global, issue that has persisted in the United States for decades. According to the National Census, nearly 40% of missing persons are persons of color. Yet, African Americans make up only 13% of the population. The roots of the problem can be traced back to the era of slavery. Expressed by Dr. Tamika Nunley in a lecture titled Black Women in the 20th Century, during the period of enslavement and following the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment, the Black female body was categorized as a Jezebel, Mammy, or Sapphire. Jezebels were depicted as hypersexual, promiscuous, immoral, available, and accessible. Mammys were servile, dependent, and docile, and Sapphires were aggressive, violent, and outlandish women. These three stereotypes became the framework for regulating how Black women could and could not act. Socially, the Black female body was exploited. There was no legal concept of rape, sexual assault, or harassment for Black women. Because society painted the depiction of the Black female body as having a hyper-sexual appetite, there was no legal recourse for violating their bodies. Additionally, Black women and children were frequently separated from their families, forcibly sold, and trafficked. Through legal, social, and economic structure, the Black female body was not protected. The basis that we see in society that “Black women can bear more pain,” “Black women are stronger,” and “nothing phases a Black woman” directly impact the unfortunate reality that in the eyes of the law, medical professionals, and even civilians that Black women cannot be a victim, exploited, and less likely to be understood as vulnerable. The impact is the disparity of resources to ensure that Black women and children are safe and found. 

         These horrific practices sowed the seeds of generational trauma. They set a precedent for devaluing Black female lives, contributing to the normalization of violence and lack of care set towards them. After the abolition of slavery, racism, and discrimination persisted. The lack of protection and acknowledgment of Black lives meant that cases of missing Black women and children specifically went unnoticed or were disregarded by law enforcement and society at large. This lack of attention perpetuated a cycle of invisibility and heightened vulnerability to exploitation and harm. The shortcomings in law enforcement responses and media representation have also significantly perpetuated the disparity. Many cases involving Black women and children are not given the same priority and media coverage as those involving white individuals. Consequently, these cases may remain unsolved for prolonged periods, compounding the anguish experienced by the affected families and communities. View the infographic below for the detailed reasoning for the disparity in media coverage.


       

        Let’s look at the geographical data to represent the issue at large, visually. In June 2022, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System released a visual depiction stating that 21,795 reported ‘missing persons’ cases went unsolved in the United States and from 55 states and territories. The top states include California, Texas, and Florida. This map represents the geographical reach of this crisis. In a commonwealth op-ed piece, researcher Alexandria Onuoha breaks down the disproportionality even reflected in data collection. One could look at the data presented above and fail to see the severity of the matter. What is presented in data is not necessarily what is reflected in society. Onuoha says it is important to remember that the data only speaks for those who have been reported and reported as a “missing person,” not a “runaway.” Using the term “runaway” de-prioritizes the severity of what should be titled as the “missing child case” and therefore results in a lack of urgency from law enforcement.  

   

Carlethia “Carlee” Russell

      On Thursday, July 13, at around 9:30 pm CT in Hoover, Alabama, Carlethia “Carlee” Russell was reported missing while on the phone with a relative. The narrative follows that Carlee was traveling on Interstate 459 South when she called the police to report seeing a toddler alone on the side of the road. As a concerned civilian, Russell pulled over, called a relative, and exited her vehicle to attend to the child. While on the phone, the relative heard a display of commotion and screaming. At 9:36 pm, Carlee Russell became one of the Black women and children that go missing each year at a disproportionate rate. CarleeRussell returned home 49 hours after her disappearance by foot to her family. Recent findings as of July 19, 2023, questions the legitimacy and actual happenings of this case; however, it still sparks a conversation on a social issue worth having. 

      Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. It begins with acknowledging and confronting the historical 
and ongoing racism perpetuating the problem. Law enforcement agencies must prioritize all ‘missing persons’ cases equally and improve outreach efforts to marginalized communities. Implementing comprehensive data collection systems and conducting unbiased investigations are crucial to ensuring all missing individuals receive the attention they deserve. One city and organization, in particular, have made noticeable strides towards these solutions. Understanding the increased risk of disappearances amongst Black women and children, California Senator Steven Bradford has introduced SB 673 to instill an “Ebony Alert” notification system that will operate similarly to the existing Amber Alert. However, this particular notification will notify everyone immediately upon report of the disappearance of a Black American regardless of categorization.

      The Black and Missing Foundation was founded in 2008 by Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson to spread awareness around these cases, display the heart-wrenching statistics, explain preventative tactics, and help affected families navigate the police and the media. The image attached below is a college of Black men, women, and children that are still reported as missing. The organization asks that if you recognize or know any details about any of the cases, that you contact them: 1-877-972-2634.

      According to the data collected by the National Crime Information Center, while Carlee Russell was possibly staging a false abduction, roughly 247 Black women and girls went missing daily. It is essential that we don’t base our responses to future reported cases on how Carlee may have exploited the media and the trust among concerned Americans. If you see something, say/share something! Victims must get as much, if not more, attention to their cases than Carlee received. Just as it is law enforcement’s duty, we must say the names of victims, especially Black women, and children, of those who have gone missing and help spread the word to put pressure on the predator through the media to return them home! 

Suggestions for Further Reading

Further Readings About Cases Reported: 

Black and Missing Foundation Statement on the Carlethia “Carlee” Russell case:

“Ebony Alert” Further Readings: 

2022 Missing Persons Report Full Infographic:

Family Preventative and Support Resources: 

For Viewing: