The Alarming Disappearance of Black Girls in America

Every 40 seconds, a child in America goes missing or is abducted, according to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. However, Black American girls are disproportionately affected, facing alarmingly high rates of disappearance despite representing a modest fraction of the U.S. Female population. This crisis demands urgent attention and a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to this disparity.

Disproportionate Numbers

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice reported that Black girls accounted for more than a third of all missing girls, despite comprising only 14% of the U.S. Female population. This stark statistic highlights a critical issue within the missing persons system and the need for increased awareness, and resources.

Recent Cases

As of August 2025, numerous Black girls under the age of 18 remain missing across the United States. Here are a few recent cases:

New York

• Ni-Lah Jenkins (13): Last seen January 9 in New York City. Contact the New York City Police Department at 212-741-8211.
• Jadia Gaither (15): Last seen February 6 in Brooklyn, NY. Contact the New York City Police Department at 1-212-694-7781.
• Deangela Jackson (17): Last seen February 7 in Jamaica, New York. Believed to be in the local area. Contact the New York City Police Department at 1-212-694-7781.
• Madison Augustine (13): Last seen January 15 in the Bronx, NY. Believed to be in the local area. Contact the NYS Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3543.
• Patrice Washington (17): Last seen August 10 in Bayshore, NY. Last seen wearing a black and gray shirt, black bike shorts, and crocs. Contact the NYS Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3543.

California

• Aariana Braggs (15): Last seen February 25 in San Marcos, CA. Contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office at (858) 868-3200.
• Verlaina Laylani Baker (17): Last seen February 12 in Orange, CA. Contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at (714) 647-7000.
• Halo Anderson (15): Last seen January 23 in Compton. Contact Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at (310) 605-6500.
• Jhadae Young (15): Last seen January 28 in San Diego, CA. Contact San Diego Police Department at (619) 531-2000.
• Ariyah Lynae-Marie Drummer (14): Last seen January 9 in Bakersfield, CA. Contact Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

Texas

• Lajoice Jackson (14): Last seen February 2 in Waxahachie, TX. Contact the Waxahachie Police Department at (469) 309-4400.
• Serenity Franklin (16): Last seen February 19 in Louisville, TX. Contact the Carrollton Police Department at (972) 466-3333.
• Gabryelle A. Porter (16): Last seen February 7 in De Soto, TX. Contact the De Soto Police Department at (469) 658-3000.
• Amilleana Kendricks (16): Last seen February 1 in San Angelo, TX. Contact the San Angelo Police Department at (325) 657-4315.

Florida

• Serenity Layla Monique Hammonds (16): Last seen February 12 in Leesburg, FL. Contact the Leesburg Police Department at (352) 787-2121.
• Francesca Francois (16): Last seen February 10 in Miami, FL. Contact the Miami Gardens Police Department at (305) 474-6473.
• Morgan Renee Fairley (16): Last seen January 15 in Lutz, FL. Contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.

Virginia

• Jaiilah Leshae Mitchell (7): Last seen February 7 in Newport News, VA. Last seen at the “Safe Haven Center” wearing a large blue coat and blue and pink shoes. Contact the Newport News Police Department at (757) 247-2500.

Disclaimer: All children listed were reported missing as of the publication date, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. For the most up-to-date information, please contact their 24-Hour Call Center at 1-800-843-5678.