The New Missing Child Alert Name in California Just Feels Strange

The state of California recently implemented a new distinction in the alert system to identify certain missing children. But, many people are uncomfortable and have voiced concern with the name of the alert.

Is it OK These are Now Called Ebony Alerts in California?

There is no question that special alerts work. AMBER Alerts have been successfully used for years across the United States. The first Ebony Alert, an alert for missing or endangered Black children and young Black women, in California was issued the first week of January and the 17-year-old girl was found shortly after. But the name Ebony has some people feeling the color choice is inappropriate, possibly racist, and encourages segregation.

How Do Californians Feel About the Ebony Alert Name?

A recent Ebony Alert sent on January 18th was posted on social media and one commenter voiced concern with the name of the alerts, stating ‘I hope she is found safe but this alert designation is ridiculous’. Another person wrote ‘So do we get a brown alert for Hispanics? How about a white alert for white people? Yellow alert for Asians?’. Another comment states on a more recent post ‘Ebony alert sounds too racist for me’. You can see those comments on the CHP Facebook and Twitter Pages.

These are Now Called Ebony Alerts in California and it Feels Wrong

Another controversial alert in California is the Feather Alert designation for missing indigenous people.

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California issues 6 different alerts depending on the situation.

• AMBER Alert - Missing children
• Ebony Alert - Missing Black children and young Black women
• Feather Alert - Missing Indigenous people
• Blue Alert - Violent attack on a law enforcement officer and suspect is at large
• Silver Alert - Elderly or developmentally impaired person is missing
• Yellow Alert - A person dies in a hit-and-run accident

The New California Alert Name for Missing Black Kids and Young Women

The new California law, SB 673, was signed by Governor Newsom on October 8, 2023, and officially went into effect on January 1, 2024. The law allows the California Highway Patrol to activate an alert when Black children or young Black women aged 12 to 25 are reported missing.

The alerts are called Ebony Alerts and allow extra resources and attention to be given to these missing-person cases.