ABC's The View Hightlights Less Media Interest in Black Missing Children/Adults

Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd recently did a segment on ABC's The View discussing the reasons for less media and police attention for black missing children and adults. You can watch here.

In the segment, ABC Investigative Reporter Chris Cuomo and "Law and Order" series actress S. Epatha Merkerson describe how the media often decide what missing children and adults to cover based on their estimation of media ratings. One mother describes how her child's school failed to notify her that her 7 year old daughter wasn't in class until the end of the school day. Another mother describes how a home invasion led to the abduction and disappearance of her teen daughter. In both cases the police stalled doing their investigations, instead concocting speculation about the causes of the disappearances - by attributing their disappearances to their own willful, disobedient behavior.

S. Epatha Merkerson has made filling this gap her mission by hosting a new series on TVOne called "Find Our Missing" where you can watch complete episodes, post in a forum, as well as a link to the Black and Missing Foundation, another site chock full of resources.

There's an extremely comprehensive, practical guide to "What To Do If Someone Goes Missing" at Black and Missing But Not Forgotten run by Deidra Robey, "a single parent, student and full time employee who is responsible for hundreds of individuals pursuing continued education to better themselves and their families. Ms. Robey volunteers weekly at her local church as an officer in ministries that serve minority causes."

If you suspect your child or adult has gone missing, the most important thing you can do is to take action yourself, without waiting for any one else to do it. In the turmoil of confused emotions, Ms. Robey's guide will provide you with tools and techniques for starting and maintaining your diligent search efforts most effectively and efficiently.