Black and Missing Foundation Thanks the Creator and Cast of the Showtime® Series “The Chi” for Supporting the Movement to Bring Awareness to Missing Persons of Color
(Washington, DC) – The Black and Missing Foundation, Inc (BAMFI) thanks the creator of the Showtime series “The Chi,” Lena Waithe, and cast for bringing awareness to the issue of missing women of color and joining the movement to help us find us.
Unfortunately, according to the latest FBI statistics, more than 600,000 individuals were reported missing in the United States. Among those, about 40 percent, or 230,000 individuals, were people of color – that number continues to grow at an alarming rate. But with scant media attention yet plenty of stereotypes and other presumptions, this sector of the missing population has largely gone under the radar.
While Kiesha’s disappearance in this season of “The Chi” is fictitious, for many women this is a reality. Awareness is key in finding those missing in our communities such as Keeshae Jacobs of Richmond, VA, Akia Eggleston of Baltimore, MD, Tyarra Williams of Greensboro, NC, Relisha Rudd of Washington, DC, and the countless others who remain missing.
“For 12 years, we have been sounding the alarm on the plight of missing black and brown women as well as men and children across the country,” said BAMFI Founders Natalie Wilson and Derrica Wilson. “We have supported, opened doors and not restricted access to help for thousands of families searching for their missing loved ones.”
“Our missing children deserve just as much media attention as everyone else,” said Lena Waithe. “I’m grateful for organizations like this that shed light on cases that are often ignored.”
“Kiesha’s story this season is one of survival, against all odds,” said Birgundi Baker, star of “The Chi.” “I am grateful to have partnered with the Black and Missing Foundation this season to bring awareness to the largely overlooked people of color and their families who have battled similar battles to Kiesha and her family. The BAMFI has created a platform to highlight and help people find their missing loved ones, as well as educate the public on these horrific and alarming rates at which people of color continue to go missing.”
To join the movement to help us find us or to provide closure for families who are desperately searching for their missing loved ones, visit BAMFI.org.
#HelpUsFindUs
About Black and Missing Foundation Inc.:
Black and Missing Foundation, Inc (BAMFI) is established as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, by a veteran law enforcement official and public relations specialist, whose mission is to bring awareness to missing persons of color; provide vital resources and tools to missing person’s families and friends; and to provide educational training on personal safety. BAMFI offers a free clearinghouse, which highlights profiles and information on missing persons of color, nationally. Profiles of missing individuals, throughout the nation, as well as news, information, and tips, can be found at BAMFI’s Web site: www.bamfi.org, IG: @blackandmissingfdn, Twitter: @BAM_FI or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bamfiorg.
Photo credit: ShowTime The Chi