Other states look to follow California’s example

Even as debate about California’s Ebony Alert system continues, other states have explored adopting their own versions of the program. Massachusetts lawmakers introduced a bill earlier this year that would create both an Ebony Alert system and “an executive office of missing and murdered Black women and girls to coordinate efforts to disrupt systemic harms that drive disproportionate harm to Black women and girls.” The Pennsylvania House Committee on Children and Youth recently advanced a bill to create an Ebony Alert system, although some legislators and police agencies oppose the measure, arguing that it would interfere with other programs such as the Amber Alert. Alabama, Missouri and New York are also reportedly considering implementing their own Ebony Alert systems.

With interest in this program growing across the country, California’s first-in-the-nation system will continue to serve as an important model and test case for the Ebony Alert. So far, the system has made a real difference in the lives of a number of families, even as it has significant room to improve.

missing black women and girls

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