(ALBANY, NY) – New York State elected officials today extended their gratitude to Academy Award–winning filmmaker Spike Lee for featuring the Ebony Alert System in his latest film “Highest 2 Lowest.” The lawmakers praised Lee for using his platform to amplify the urgent need to address disparities in the handling of missing persons cases involving Black youth.

The Ebony Alert System legislation (S6865/A8386), recently introduced in the New York State Legislature by NYS Senator Lea Webb and NYS Assemblymember Noah Burroughs, will establish an Ebony Alert System designed to enhance the chances of recovering missing Black youth across the state. Modeled on the success of the AMBER Alert and Silver Alert programs, the Ebony Alert would establish a statewide protocol ensuring that when Black children and teens are reported missing, their cases receive the same urgency, visibility, and resources as other missing persons cases. California is the only state in the country that currently has an Ebony Alert System.

Webb and Burroughs are inviting Spike Lee, along with cast members Denzel Washington, A$AP Rocky, Ice Spice, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Jeffrey Wright—all proud New Yorkers—to join them in their advocacy campaign, harnessing the collective power of culture, politics, and community to ensure passage of the Ebony Alert System into law.

 “The Ebony Alert is not just a signal—it’s a promise that every Black life matters and every missing voice will be heard. This legislation is as important as any other aimed at protecting our community,” said Senator Webb.  “Too often, cases of missing Black youth fail to garner the attention, urgency, and media amplification that they deserve. By including this in his film, Spike is helping to raise awareness about a critical issue that affects countless families in our state and across the country. We thank Spike Lee for shining a powerful spotlight on the Ebony Alert System through his art.” 

The lawmakers pointed to recent statistics showing disproportionate neglect in coverage and recovery rates for missing Black youth compared to their white counterparts, underscoring the need for systemic change. Black children represent about 38 percent of missing children's cases in the U.S. each year but receive less media coverage.

 “Representation matters—not only on screen, but in the policies, we create and the lives we save.  No family should have to endure such traumatic experiences. Every community deserves equitable resources, and it’s vital that we improve our efforts as a state to seek justice for missing Black youth and their families,” said Assemblymember Burroughs.“We are proud to introduce this bill in New York and hope that Mr. Lee will join us in advancing this essential legislation. Together, we can ensure that no child is overlooked, and no family is left without hope.” 

Background: According to the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, approximately 600,000 people go missing each year in the United States. Nearly 40 percent of these individuals are Black or African American. Black children account for about 38 percent of missing children cases in the U.S. and often receive less media attention. Additionally, Black or African American youth are disproportionately classified as "runaways" compared to their non-Black counterparts. These classifications can fail to issue an Amber Alert. The proposed Ebony Alert System would not replace the Amber Alert but would fill the gaps in responses to missing Black youth, particularly those aged 12-25, who are often underrepresented. It aims to bridge the significant societal gap and enhance the likelihood of recovering Black youth in New York State. In 2023, California established an Ebony Alert system. New York State currently has various alert systems for specific criteria, including the Missing Adult Alert Program, the Silver Alert System for missing seniors, and the Amber Alert System for missing children.

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