To help address ‘Missing White Woman Syndrome’, Gabby Petito’s family is opening up their platform to missing people of color

The family of the late Gabby Petito, whose sudden disappearance and murder by the hands of fiancé Brian Laundrie dominated headlines in 2021, will likely be the primary to inform you that each one missing people on this country deserve such attention.

They feel so strongly about it that they really lend out their platform Black and Missing Foundation, Missing and murdered indigenous women and relativesand National Domestic Violence Hotline to strengthen their efforts.

“There is a hierarchy when it comes to sharing missing person flyers,” said Joe Petito, Gabby’s father People Magazine. “Children go first, then white women, then women of color.”

Joe said he was initially offended by the term “missing white woman syndrome” when he heard it applied to his daughter. However, he quickly realized the injustice he was declaring.

“We want to help all the missing people,” Joe continued. “If the media doesn’t continue to do this for all people, it’s a real shame because it’s not just Gabby who deserves it.”

“Their continued support exemplifies their commitment to justice and equality, and together we are forging a path that will ensure every missing person receives the attention and resources they deserve,” Wilson wrote.

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In a rustic where black people make up about 13% of the population, they account for 35% of missing people. In 2022 almost 100,000 black women reported missing. Not only are Black women disappearing in disproportionate numbers, but their cases proceed to receive less attention from law enforcement and the media.

Lawmakers across the country are working to address this problem. Last yr, California became the primary state to implement ‘Ebony Alert’ if a black woman goes missing, immediate motion needs to be ensured, similar to a “silver alert” for the elderly or an “amber alert” for youngsters.

Earlier this month, during CrimeCon 2024, Wilson said her organization moderated a panel that included Petito’s parents.

“This spirited discussion highlighted the importance of raising awareness and supporting conversations about the disparities in how missing persons cases are handled in different communities,” Wilson added.

Sharing more details in regards to the partnership with the Petito family, Wilson said, “Our collaboration represents a unified voice in the fight to bring attention to the critical issue of missing people of color, who are often overlooked by mainstream media and law enforcement.”

She continued: “Together, we want to intensify our efforts and expand our reach to ensure that no one remains silent or forgotten.”