Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Crisis

Developing StoryLast updated JUN 4
SUMMARY

Advocates in Chicago held the 9th annual "We Walk for Her" march on June 3, 2026, highlighting that Black women constitute a third of the city's missing persons cases despite being about 15% of the female population, and calling for a dedicated city office. As of June 3, 2026, efforts to address the crisis of missing and murdered Black women and girls are ongoing across the U.S., with new data indicating Black women aged 25-44 are nearly four times more likely to be homicide victims than their white counterparts. A policy toolkit, "Screaming in Silence No More," was presented on May 18, 2026, to help establish Offices for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls, while the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs launched a new initiative in March 2026 to improve data collection and support law enforcement. Recent cases include the May 2026 deaths of Ashanti Allen, Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, and Cerina Fairfax in Florida, all with partners arrested and charged. The National Council of Negro Women continues to advocate for improved data collection and special task forces, with Wisconsin and Minnesota pursuing legislative and programmatic efforts.

Timeline

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June 2026 — 2 developments

  1. The 9th annual "We Walk for Her" march in Chicago on June 3, 2026, highlighted that Black women cons…

    The 9th annual "We Walk for Her" march in Chicago on June 3, 2026, highlighted that Black women constitute a third of the city's missing persons cases despite being about 15% of the female population. Advocates are calling for a dedicated city office to address this issue. Separately, the Saskatchewan provincial government updated its ongoing efforts to address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis, including expanded support programs and investments in violence prevention.

  2. A policy toolkit titled "Screaming in Silence No More" was presented on May 18, 2026, at Johns Hopki…

    A policy toolkit titled "Screaming in Silence No More" was presented on May 18, 2026, at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center, aiming to help advocates establish Offices for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls. Recent CDC data indicates Black women aged 25-44 are nearly four times more likely to be victims of homicide than their white counterparts, and Black women constitute 20% of all missing persons cases annually despite being only 7% of the U.S. population.

May 2026 — 3 developments

  1. New statistics reveal that approximately four in 10 Black women have experienced intimate partner vi…

    New statistics reveal that approximately four in 10 Black women have experienced intimate partner violence, and Black women are more than twice as likely as white women to be murdered by their partner. The National Council of Negro Women continues to advocate for improved data collection and special task forces to address the crisis.

  2. A conference titled "Missing and Murdered: A Transdisciplinary Conference on Black Women and Girls in Missouri and Beyond" is scheduled to take place at the University of Missouri.

    A conference titled "Missing and Murdered: A Transdisciplinary Conference on Black Women and Girls in Missouri and Beyond" is scheduled to take place at the University of Missouri. The event aims to address the disproportionately high rates of disappearance and violence against Black women and girls. It is scheduled for October 15-16, 2026.

  3. In May 2026, Ashanti Allen, eight months pregnant, was found dead in Florida, with her partner arrested and charged with her murder.

    In May 2026, Ashanti Allen, eight months pregnant, was found dead in Florida, with her partner arrested and charged with her murder. Additionally, Coral Springs' Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen and Cerina Fairfax were found dead in separate incidents, with their husbands arrested and charged. A new study from The Lancet indicates Black women are six times more likely to be murdered than their white peers.

April 2026 — 3 developments

  1. The recent case of influencer Ashlee Jenae, found dead in Zanzibar in April 2026, has brought renewed attention to the vulnerability of Black women to violence.

    The recent case of influencer Ashlee Jenae, found dead in Zanzibar in April 2026, has brought renewed attention to the vulnerability of Black women to violence. Statistics from 2022 indicated that over 36% of missing girls and women were Black, despite comprising only 14% of the U.S. female population.

  2. Research in Action is leading a five-year project to develop an index for assessing structural viole…

    Research in Action is leading a five-year project to develop an index for assessing structural violence against Black women and girls, while the National Council of Negro Women advocates for enhanced data collection and specialized task forces. Wisconsin continues legislative efforts for a dedicated task force, and Minnesota's Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls works to combat disproportionate violence.

  3. Minnesota's Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls hosted its second annual 'Day on t…

    Minnesota's Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls hosted its second annual 'Day on the Hill' event on April 13, 2026, bringing together families, advocates, and officials. In Wisconsin, a bill to establish a task force for missing and murdered African American women and girls has been reintroduced.

March 2026 — 2 developments

  1. The Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is launching a new initiative to addres…

    The Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is launching a new initiative to address the crisis of missing and murdered Black women and girls, aiming to raise awareness, improve data collection, and support law enforcement. Representative Ayanna Pressley has also announced the creation of a task force dedicated to this issue, focusing on developing strategies to improve investigations and increase public awareness.

  2. The homicide rate for Black women and girls in the U.

    The homicide rate for Black women and girls in the U.S. increased by 33% in 2020, with Wisconsin seeing a doubling of this rate. In the case of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's mother, a $1 million reward has been offered for information regarding her disappearance. Advocates in Wisconsin are pushing for a state task force to address the disproportionately high rates of violence against Black women and girls, who are 20 times more likely to die by homicide in the state than white women.

February 2026 — 2 developments

  1. Missouri established a task force in 2025 to address violence against Black women and girls and shape new search policies.

    Missouri established a task force in 2025 to address violence against Black women and girls and shape new search policies. Additionally, new legislation co-authored by Representative Ilhan Omar aims to create an office for missing and murdered Black women and girls within the Department of Justice, potentially providing funding for cold case reviews.

  2. A podcast episode features Director Burkes discussing the development of the nation's first Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls.

    A podcast episode features Director Burkes discussing the development of the nation's first Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls. The conversation highlights personal experiences that fueled its creation, including the murder of a sister in 2016, and acknowledges historical neglect and untold stories of Black women and girls.

January 2026 — 3 developments

  1. The Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Task Force hosted a 'Day of Action' at the Minnesota State Capitol.

    The Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Task Force hosted a 'Day of Action' at the Minnesota State Capitol.

  2. The family of Lyric Brown, a 21-year-old mother found shot to death in Cockeysville, Maryland, in July 2021, is still seeking answers in her unsolved murder.

    The family of Lyric Brown, a 21-year-old mother found shot to death in Cockeysville, Maryland, in July 2021, is still seeking answers in her unsolved murder. She was discovered by police with a gunshot wound and later died at a hospital.

  3. A recent article highlights the increasing visibility of violence against women by ICE agents, noting that such incidents remain largely untracked.

    A recent article highlights the increasing visibility of violence against women by ICE agents, noting that such incidents remain largely untracked. A study from 2013-2018 found that Indigenous and Black women and girls face a higher lifetime risk of being killed by police compared to white women.

December 2025 — 1 developments

October 2025 — 2 developments

September 2025 — 1 developments

August 2025 — 2 developments

  1. Missouri has formed a task force to address the disproportionately high rates of missing and murdered African American women and girls, championed by State Senator Angela Mosley.

    Missouri has formed a task force to address the disproportionately high rates of missing and murdered African American women and girls, championed by State Senator Angela Mosley. The task force was spurred by cases like that of 15-year-old Dornae Hayes, who went missing and was later murdered in May 2024, with her mother feeling abandoned by the system. The task force will comprise lawmakers, law enforcement, and community advocates and will hold public hearings.

July 2025 — 2 developments

  1. Wisconsin lawmakers are reintroducing a bill to create a task force for missing and murdered African American women and girls, marking the third attempt to pass such legislation.

    Wisconsin lawmakers are reintroducing a bill to create a task force for missing and murdered African American women and girls, marking the third attempt to pass such legislation. In 2020, Black women in Wisconsin were found to be 20 times more likely to be murdered than white women, the greatest disparity in the nation. This legislative effort follows similar initiatives in Minnesota, which established the nation's first Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls.

  2. Wisconsin is pushing to pass a bill creating a task force for missing and murdered African American women and girls.

    Wisconsin is pushing to pass a bill creating a task force for missing and murdered African American women and girls. Minnesota created a task force to study the issue of missing and murdered Black women and girls.

May 2025 — 1 developments

  1. Minnesota established the nation's first Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls (MMBWG) Office in 2023, with Kaleena Burkes appointed as its director in April 2024.

    Minnesota established the nation's first Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls (MMBWG) Office in 2023, with Kaleena Burkes appointed as its director in April 2024. This office aims to combat systemic neglect and violence against Black women and girls.

April 2025 — 3 developments

  3. The case of Asha Degree, missing since 2000, was reclassified as a homicide in February 2025, and suspects have been publicly identified.

    The case of Asha Degree, missing since 2000, was reclassified as a homicide in February 2025, and suspects have been publicly identified. Additionally, a legislative effort in Wisconsin is gaining momentum to establish a 17-member task force for missing and murdered African American women and girls.

February 2025 — 1 developments

  1. The NNPA has launched the 'Missing & Black 2025' campaign to highlight disparities in media coverage and law enforcement response for missing Black individuals.

    The NNPA has launched the 'Missing & Black 2025' campaign to highlight disparities in media coverage and law enforcement response for missing Black individuals. Additionally, California launched the Ebony Alert system in 2024 to address these issues.

November 2024 — 6 developments

  1. A UN report from November 2024 indicates that Black women in the U.

    A UN report from November 2024 indicates that Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to be killed by a domestic partner or family member than white women. This report, "Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides," highlights the ongoing crisis.

  2. In 2022, Black women and girls represented over 36% of all reported missing females, despite being 14% of the U.

    In 2022, Black women and girls represented over 36% of all reported missing females, despite being 14% of the U.S. female population. A Lancet study indicates Black women are six times more likely to be murdered than white peers. The Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs has convened to address this crisis, and New York Governor Hochul signed legislation to establish a Task Force on Missing BIPOC Women and Girls.

  3. In 2022, Black individuals represented over 36% of missing girls and women in the U.

    In 2022, Black individuals represented over 36% of missing girls and women in the U.S., despite being only 14% of the female population. A study in The Lancet indicates Black women are six times more likely to be murdered than white women. Representative Ilhan Omar has introduced legislation to address this crisis, and cases involving Black women remain open four times longer than other cases.

  4. A new national task force for missing and murdered BIPOC women and girls, led by Dr.

    A new national task force for missing and murdered BIPOC women and girls, led by Dr. Dawn Rowe, was established on March 26, 2024, following a new law. In 2022, Black individuals represented over 36% of reported missing girls and women nationally, despite being only 14% of the U.S. female population. Minnesota established its Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Office in 2023 to support families and ensure timely investigations.

  5. The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs convened a national meeting on November …

    The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs convened a national meeting on November 12, 2024, to address the crisis of missing and murdered Black women and girls. Organizations like the National Council of Negro Women and the NAACP are advocating for improved data collection and response protocols, while states like California have launched specialized alert systems to increase visibility for these cases.

  6. The Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs hosted a national convening in Washington, D.

    The Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs hosted a national convening in Washington, D.C., to address the crisis of missing or murdered Black women and girls, bringing together various stakeholders to raise awareness and inform future responses.

October 2024 — 1 developments

  1. A Violence Policy Center study revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 Black women murdered by men are killed by someone they know, with firearms being the most common weapon.

    A Violence Policy Center study revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 Black women murdered by men are killed by someone they know, with firearms being the most common weapon. The study also reported a 2022 murder rate of 3.2 per 100,000 for Black females by males.

May 2024 — 2 developments

  1. Activists are calling for urgent action regarding the crisis of missing and murdered Black women and girls, citing new statistics from a 2022 Guardian investigation.

    Activists are calling for urgent action regarding the crisis of missing and murdered Black women and girls, citing new statistics from a 2022 Guardian investigation. Wisconsin has the highest homicide rate for Black women and girls, with a 33% national increase in homicides in 2020 that doubled in Wisconsin. Black women are six times more likely to be killed than white women nationally, and 20 times more likely in Wisconsin.

  2. End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin (End Abuse) has announced its strong support for proposed legislation t…

    End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin (End Abuse) has announced its strong support for proposed legislation to establish a task force focused on missing and murdered African American women and girls in Wisconsin. This announcement follows a press conference on May 16, 2024, where advocates urged for its creation. Data from a 2022 investigation indicates Wisconsin has the highest homicide rate for Black women and girls.

February 2024 — 2 developments

  1. In 2022, Black women and girls constituted 18% of all missing persons cases in the U.

    In 2022, Black women and girls constituted 18% of all missing persons cases in the U.S., despite being only 7% of the population. States like California and New York are now following Minnesota's lead in passing legislation for data-driven investigations into cases involving missing and murdered Black, Indigenous, and Latina women and girls. Black women were 20 times more likely to be murdered than white women in Wisconsin in 2020, and cases involving Black women remain open four times longer on average than other cases.

  2. A new analysis in The Lancet reveals a 73% increase in homicide rates for Black women aged 25-44 between 2014 and 2020 across at least 30 U.

    A new analysis in The Lancet reveals a 73% increase in homicide rates for Black women aged 25-44 between 2014 and 2020 across at least 30 U.S. states, and Black women faced the highest rates of violent crime victimization in 2023. A march near the U.S. Capitol also took place.

November 2023 — 1 developments

  1. The Brittany Clardy Missing And Murdered Black Women And Girls Act was introduced to establish a ded…

    The Brittany Clardy Missing And Murdered Black Women And Girls Act was introduced to establish a dedicated office within the Department of Justice to address the crisis, offering hope to families of the nearly 100,000 missing Black women and girls. In Minnesota, the MMBWG Office was established in 2023 to support families, ensure timely investigations, and advocate for justice and equity.

October 2023 — 1 developments

  1. Black women and girls are disappearing at alarming rates, with nearly 100,000 reportedly vanishing in 2022.

    Black women and girls are disappearing at alarming rates, with nearly 100,000 reportedly vanishing in 2022. Law enforcement's tendency to not treat runaway cases seriously, compounded by racism and classism, contributes to these cases going unnoticed. Minnesota established the nation's first Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Office in 2023 to combat systemic neglect and violence.

May 2023 — 1 developments

  1. Minnesota established the nation's first office dedicated to missing and murdered Black women and gi…

    Minnesota established the nation's first office dedicated to missing and murdered Black women and girls, following lobbying efforts and data showing Black women are nearly three times more likely to be murdered in the state than white women.

January 2023 — 1 developments

  1. The Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls (MMBWG) Office was established in Minnesota in 2023 t…

    The Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls (MMBWG) Office was established in Minnesota in 2023 to address systemic neglect and violence, supporting families and advocating for justice. On May 16, 2024, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin announced its support for a state task force following a press conference, highlighting that Wisconsin has the highest homicide rate for Black women and girls. The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) also commits to addressing this crisis as a human rights violation and public safety concern.

February 2020 — 1 developments

  1. An estimated 64,000 to 75,000 Black women and girls are currently missing in the U.

    An estimated 64,000 to 75,000 Black women and girls are currently missing in the U.S., with Black girls comprising over 40% of domestic sex trafficking victims. The National Newspaper Publishers Association launched the 'Missing & Black 2025' campaign to combat media coverage disparities for missing Black individuals. Wisconsin is also reintroducing a bill to create a task force for missing and murdered African American women and girls, as the state has the highest homicide rate for this demographic.

January 2020 — 1 developments

  1. Journalism students at Roosevelt University investigated the cases of 51 mostly Black women murdered…

    Journalism students at Roosevelt University investigated the cases of 51 mostly Black women murdered in Chicago between 2001 and 2018, which were deemed serial murders by the Murder Accountability Project, bringing attention to unsolved cases and potential biases in law enforcement classifications.

January 2017 — 1 developments

January 2010 — 1 developments

January 2008 — 1 developments