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About the Black & Missing Foundation

Providing an equal opportunity for all missing persons.

"It's important for us to exist because we are the only nonprofit organization that is a voice for an often ignored group. They’re ignored by law enforcement. They're ignored by the media, and they're ignored by the community."

Missing: Keeshae Jacobs, Richmond VA
Missing: Keeshae Jacobs, Richmond VA

Our Mission

The Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to bring awareness to missing persons of color; provide vital resources and tools to missing person's families and friends and to educate the minority community on personal safety.

BAMFI was founded in 2008 by experts in the fields of law enforcement and public relations; two vital areas of expertise needed to help bring awareness to and find those missing from our communities.

BAMFI creates public awareness campaigns for public safety and provides parents and loved ones of missing persons with a forum for spreading the word of their disappearance, with pictures and profiles of missing individuals. BAMFI also utilizes a variety of media platforms, including print, television, radio, and social media, to help locate those missing.

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BAMFI Leadership

Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson work to ensure black people and other people of color reported missing don't slip through the cracks. In 2008, the two founded the Black And Missing Foundation to help raise awareness around these cases and help families navigate police and the media ― two spaces that can be hostile for people of color.

Derrica Wilson, Natalie Wilson

In 2021, a total of 214,582 minorities were reported missing in the United States.

Source: 2022 NCIC MISSING PERSON AND UNIDENTIFIED PERSON STATISTICS (2/2/2023)

Black & Missing Stories

Black and Missing on The View

Black & Missing in America - A Short Film

From OSCAR® and 16-time EMMY award-winning producer Arnold Shapiro and Director/Producer Marlene McCurtis – a short film that highlights the work of the Black and Missing Foundation, and their quest to provide a voice and equal opportunity for missing persons of color.

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John Howard holding a photo of his missing boys

Where Are They Now (John Howard)

John and his sons lived a relatively normal life. One son was in school while another was about to start daycare. When they left to visit their mother, it would be another three years before John would see his sons again. After receiving little assistance from local law enforcement, BAMFI stepped in.

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"I would like to thank you for all your help. Praise God my granddaughter, Ithiopia is home and safe. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate you, your organization & your inbox messages to me. All your prayers for not only Ithiopia but every missing person has made a great impact on me and others too - I truly believe. GOD is so awesome and works thru you & your organization. Thanks again for all your help."

---- MS. DEAN (GRANDMOTHER OF MISSING CHILD)

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