Urban Freedom Magazine Vol1 | Page 5

Credit NY Times media ownership, and commercial motives of media contribute to the create bias. Jesse Lee Peterson, of WND wrote an article aptly titled “The Ugly Truth Behind Missing D.C. Black Girls.” Peterson brought another aspect looming behind the reasoning​ of numerous disappearances. A very uncomfortable, realistic, and simply sad truth within the lives of the chil- dren we are pushing to find. Peterson stated “Newsflash: These young people don’t want to be re- united with thei r mothers. They ran away from home to escape unbear- able living conditions. Angry, single, black mothers (and grandmothers) who don’t have any love are raising these kids. These women are of- ten belligerent and violent toward the children. The kids are usually living in homes where the mother has a live-in boyfriend. Illicit drugs are prevalent. Sometimes the girls are made to work as prostitutes in sex-trafficking rings – even by mem- bers of their own families.” The fact remains the missing chil- dren issue runs not only in DC but through all U.S. in cities like Chica- go, Baltimore, Atlanta. Is this the reason of the missing children of color in these Urban areas across the country? More importantly, with all the in- formation on the table what do we do with it? Is it fair to assume each child is a runaway and hope they are better off? Do we take to the streets and find them regardless? The truth is that it’s up to each individual to access their own choices and figure out what part they want to play in our community. There are a few ways to assist if you choose to keep up and assist with the missing children. Black and Miss- ing Foundation is one of the groups actively assisting in finding the miss- ing children. You can also follow the Metropolitan Police Department, in your city, on Twitter for updates. For More Information, updated lists and how you can Be of Assistance: (202) 727-9099 Washington DC Metropolitan Police Tip Line Text Tips to: 50411 5