Every year, thousands of Black girls and women vanish across America—disappearing from their communities, their families, and our collective awareness. Despite the staggering numbers, their stories often go unheard, overshadowed by a media system that frequently overlooks missing persons of color. This crisis demands our urgent attention here in Waterbury and beyond.

A Disproportionate Crisis

In 2022 alone, nearly 100,000 Black women and girls were reported missing nationwide, making up more than a third of all missing females—even though Black women represent only about 14% of the U.S. female population. This disproportion reveals a painful truth: Black girls and women face unique vulnerabilities and systemic neglect when they go missing.

Closer to home, Waterbury’s Black communities are not immune. Families live in constant fear of the unknown, of loved ones who might never return without help. Yet, many of these disappearances slip under the radar, receiving less media coverage and fewer law enforcement resources.

The Media’s Blind Spot

This issue is compounded by what experts call “Missing White Woman Syndrome”—the tendency for media to disproportionately spotlight missing white women while overlooking Black girls and women. The result? A lack of public awareness and diminished urgency in solving these cases.

Steps Toward Change

Some states are beginning to take action. California’s Ebony Alert system targets missing Black youth with increased media outreach and faster law enforcement response. New York and Minnesota have launched dedicated task forces and offices to address the crisis. And federal legislation is on the table to create a national office focused on missing and murdered Black women and girls.

But we cannot wait for distant governments to act—we need to mobilize here, in Waterbury.

How You Can Help

• Stay informed and share stories. Amplify the names and faces of missing Black girls and women in your community.
• Support local advocacy groups. Many organizations provide resources and assistance to families of missing persons.
• Report tips. If you have any information about a missing person, contact local law enforcement immediately.
• Push for policy change. Advocate for Waterbury to adopt measures similar to Ebony Alerts and establish task forces focused on missing persons of color.

Our community’s safety depends on visibility, action, and compassion. When a Black girl goes missing, she is not just a statistic—she is a daughter, a sister, a friend. It’s time we see them, hear them, and fight for their return.

If you have information about a missing person or want to get involved, please contact the Waterbury Police Department

Together, we can bring our Black girls back home.