The Ebony Alarm

Why it matters: In 2022, the National Crime Information Center reported that more than 140,000 Black children ages 17 and younger were missing for at least some period of time, including more than 77,000 girls. The Black and Missing Foundation also reports that missing minority children are often initially classified as “runaways” – which makes them ineligible for an Amber Alert – and that missing minority adults are often labeled “criminal.” involvement,” including gangs and drugs.

The backstory: The Ebony Alert system is based on the Amber Alert System or America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. It is named after Amber Hagerman, a 9-year-old girl who was kidnapped and murdered in Arlington, Texas in 1996. The alert system was not fully implemented statewide until 2005, when Hawaii joined.

What does it do: When activated, the highway patrol can disseminate information about the victim and encourage the public to be vigilant using electronic highway signs. Broadcasters, including radio and television stations and social networks, are also “encouraged, but not required,” to distribute Ebony Alerts.

In an effort to bring more attention and resources to missing Black youth, a new law establishing “Ebony Alerts” goes into effect on January 1st. The California Highway Patrol has the authority to activate this new emergency alert system, which will notify the public about missing black young women ages 12 to 25.

The first-in-the-nation law works similarly to other emergency alerts for specific people, including Feather Alerts for missing indigenous people and Silver Alerts for seniors. When activated, the highway patrol can disseminate information about the victim and encourage the public to be vigilant using electronic highway signs. Broadcasters, including radio and television stations and social networks, are also “encouraged, but not required,” to distribute Ebony Alerts.

Law enforcement may consider other factors besides the victim’s age when issuing an Ebony Alert. These include whether the person has a mental or physical disability, whether the person may be a victim of human trafficking, and whether the person has “disappeared under unclear or suspicious circumstances.”

The Ebony Alert system is based on the Amber Alert System or America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. It is named after Amber Hagerman, a 9-year-old girl who was kidnapped and murdered in Arlington, Texas in 1996. The alert system was not fully implemented statewide until 2005, when Hawaii joined. Since then, technological advancements, such as integration with Google and Facebook platforms, have expanded the reach of Amber notifications. As of September 30, 2023, the alert system has assisted in the recovery of 1,146 missing children in the United States

In 2022, the National Crime Information Center reported that more than 140,000 Black children ages 17 and younger were missing for at least some period of time, including more than 77,000 girls. This accounted for about 39% of missing children in the U.S. that year, even though the black or African-American population makes up only 12.4% of all people living in the U.S

The Black and Missing Foundation also reports that missing minority children are often initially classified as “runaways” – which makes them ineligible for an Amber Alert – and that missing minority adults are often labeled “criminal.” involvement,” including gangs and drugs.

In response to these statistics, Sen. Steven Bradford, a Democrat from Gardena, authored the bill establishing Ebony Alerts. Calling the law “bold and requiring action,” Bradford said in a press statement that black children and young women were “disproportionately represented” on missing persons lists.

“This is heartbreaking and painful for so many families and a public crisis for our entire state,” he said. “The Ebony Alert can change that.”

The measure passed without opposition and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law in October. However, the highway patrol expressed concerns that the public could become “desensitised” to emergency warnings if they were activated more frequently.