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Oct 16, 2023

Breaking the Silence: California's EBONY ALERT – A Call to Protect Our Community

Oakland, Calif. - We stand at a critical juncture in terms of the safety of our community: missing persons, kidnappings, and sex trafficking have become distressingly common, especially impacting Black youth and women. As we confront this challenge head-on, the recently signed SB 673, known as the "EBONY ALERT," emerges as a beacon of hope and change. This groundbreaking legislation is a testament to the commitment of our community to safeguard its most vulnerable members.

Of the 1,500 missing persons that are total in the city of Oakland, over 400 are Black women, that is a concerning, troubling number --- Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid.

The EBONY ALERT - A Ray of Hope


The EBONY ALERT legislation marks a historic moment in California, bringing much-needed attention to the disproportionately high number of missing Black children and young women. With over 400 out of 1,500 missing persons in Oakland being Black women, the need for a specialized alert system is evident. The EBONY ALERT, similar to the Amber Alert, aims to activate electronic highway signs to alert the public and media about the missing person, ensuring rapid dissemination of information and raising awareness.


Families coming forward saying my daughter just got snatched---Oakland Violence Prevention Coalition Chairperson Vanessa Russell said.

At BOSS, we firmly believe in the power of community-driven initiatives. The EBONY ALERT is a significant step forward, addressing a critical gap in the existing alert systems and ensuring that our Black youth and women receive the immediate attention and protection they deserve. By being aware of and supporting this legislation, we collectively contribute to a safer, more vigilant community, actively working to prevent and address the crisis of missing Black youth and women.


BOSS' Pledge to Wellness and Empowerment


Three women hugging and dancing at a in a parking lot

The Wellness and Empowerment of our community have always been at the heart of BOSS' mission. For decades, we've dedicated ourselves to providing safe spaces and essential resources for survivors of violence and individuals facing barriers to employment and stability. The EBONY ALERT aligns seamlessly with our commitment to the well-being of our community.




BOSS programs offer a safe and supportive environment for survivors to access resources and receive the necessary support. Our peer support and counseling services assist survivors in processing trauma, developing coping skills, and setting positive life goals.


Collective Vision and Collaborations for a Safer Future


To truly make a difference, BOSS strives to unite with like-minded organizations and individuals who share our vision of a safer, more compassionate community. The EBONY ALERT is a partnership that can drive real change. BOSS is committed to collaborating with organizations, such as Love Never Fails, S.H.A.D.E., and Adamika Village, who are equally dedicated to empowering survivors and advocating for a safer environment.


The signing of SB 673 into law marks a pivotal moment, but our work is far from over. Please join us in supporting this transformative initiative -- help us amplify the EBONY ALERT's impact, and contribute to a society where Black youth and women are protected, celebrated, and given every opportunity to thrive.


Black Women at a press conference for missing Black girls holding a picture with 10 victims o
Black Coalition Fighting Back Serial Murders members Suzette Shaw, left, holding photos of 10 victims, and Margaret Prescod, at podium, join relatives of victims speaking after the sentencing for Lonnie Franklin Jr., a convicted serial killer known as the "Grim Sleeper," in Los Angeles Superior Court in August 2016. Damian Dovarganes/AP

An NPR article highlighted the disproportionate number of Black youth and women who go missing in the U.S., constituting 36% of reported missing cases in 2022. The Black and Missing Foundation emphasizes the need to advocate for policies prioritizing finding missing people of color and ensuring equal attention and resources for all cases.




Time is critical, and a new alert system, in collaboration with media and law enforcement, aims to aid families in their search for missing loved ones. Awareness and action are crucial to address this issue effectively.


Join us in supporting the EBONY ALERT and its mission to protect our community. Stay informed, spread the word, and advocate for a safer tomorrow!





The office of Treva Reid






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