In a significant move towards addressing the issue of missing Black youth and women, the California state Legislature has approved a bill to create an “Ebony Alert,” akin to the Amber Alert. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom. Here are the key details:
Initiating Change
Earlier this year, State Senator Steven Bradford, a Gardena Democrat, introduced the Senate bill to address the often overlooked cases of missing Black children and young Black women in California.
Awaiting the Governor’s Signature
Having gained legislative approval, Senator Bradford has called upon the governor to sign the legislation promptly, emphasizing the potential to save lives. The governor’s office has not yet commented on the pending legislation, but it has until October 14 to act.
Alarming Statistics
According to the Black and Missing Foundation, a striking 38% of missing children in the U.S. are Black. Senator Bradford highlights the mislabeling and underreporting of these cases compared to their white counterparts.
Ebony Alert Purpose
The proposed Ebony Alert system aims to issue alerts when Black youth and young Black women up to age 25 are reported missing under specific circumstances, including abduction and developmental disabilities.
Details In Short
- Date: The article is updated on September 15, 2023.
- Location: The focus of the article is on California, specifically the state’s legislative process.
- Name: The bill was introduced by State Senator Steven Bradford, a Gardena Democrat.
- Age: The bill addresses missing Black youth and young Black women up to the age of 25.
- Target Keyword: The article’s keyword is “Ebony Alert.”
- Legislative Approval: The California state Legislature has approved the bill.
- Awaiting Signature: The bill is currently awaiting the signature of Governor Gavin Newsom.
- Purpose of the Bill: The bill aims to create an “Ebony Alert” system similar to the Amber Alert to locate missing Black youth and women.
- Statistics: The Black and Missing Foundation reports that 38% of missing children in the U.S. are Black.
- Amendment: Lawmakers amended the bill to grant the California Highway Patrol discretion in issuing Ebony Alerts.
- Existing Alerts: California already has alert systems for missing elderly people (Silver Alert) and missing Indigenous people (Feather Alert).
- Evaluation Deadline: Governor Newsom has until October 14 to decide whether to sign the bill into law.
Amendment to the Bill
Before passing the Senate, lawmakers made an amendment to the bill. Now, the California Highway Patrol has the discretion to decide whether to issue the Ebony Alert based on the missing persons criteria.
Inclusivity
California already has similar alert systems in place for missing elderly people (Silver Alert) and missing Indigenous people (Feather Alert).
This bill represents a significant step towards addressing the disparities in attention and resources allocated to missing Black youth, providing a valuable tool for law enforcement and media to locate and assist those in need.
