The Black and Missing Foundation and Washington Association of Black Journalists Launch Task Force to Address Media Bias in Missing Persons Cases
(Hyattsville, MD) – The Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI), in partnership with the Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ), is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking new media task force that will advocate for fair media coverage for missing persons cases.
Missing Black and Brown individuals receive disproportionately less media attention nationwide compared to other cases, which adversely impacts the urgency and resources needed to find them. This joint task force is dedicated to rectifying this imbalance by transforming newsroom practices through meaningful collaboration with journalists from across the country.
“Our mission is to ensure that all missing persons, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or geography, receive equal media coverage,” said Natalie Wilson, Co-founder of BAMFI. “By working together with WABJ, we are creating a pathway for journalists to remove unintentional bias and establish a fairer, more consistent approach to reporting these cases.”
“This task force is about more than just words — it’s about action,” said Philip Lewis, President of WABJ. “Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, we will empower journalists to eliminate disparities in coverage and create a more just and responsible media landscape.”
The task force’s primary goal is to create comprehensive media guidelines for news outlets to integrate into their reporting approaches and develop an impact matrix to measure the effectiveness of these efforts.
These guidelines will include insights and contributions from seasoned media professionals and aim to reshape how newsrooms address missing persons coverage. The BAMFI and WABJ encourage journalists, news organizations, and media professionals nationwide to join this movement and be part of the change.
The official media guide is scheduled for release this spring and will be accompanied by a high-impact publicity campaign to ensure maximum visibility and adoption across the journalism industry.
About Black and Missing Foundation, Inc.
The Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing awareness to missing persons of color, supporting their families, and advocating for equitable media coverage and law enforcement response.
About the Washington Association of Black Journalists
The Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) is a professional organization committed to advancing Black journalists and public relations professionals through advocacy, mentorship, and professional development.
Photo credit: Black and Missing Foundation and Washington Association of Black Journalists