Advocates push for case-study in how Nebraska handles missing Black women and children

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Inside a hearing room on Wednesday, silence gave way to stories that have lived in pain for years.

Lawmakers listened to advocates and families speaking about a crisis many said has been hidden for far too long.

The bill, LB751, calls for a statewide study to improve how Nebraska reports, tracks, and investigates cases of missing and murdered Black women and children.

“Accountability would be to actually see a decrease in the number of missing black women and black children,” said Joy Kathurima, legal and policy counsel.

And supporters said the need is urgent.

“That number, even if it seems so large, each number is an individual person that is deeply loved,” Kathurima said.

According to the Nebraska State Patrol, for the first nine months of 2025, there were almost 600 cases of missing black women and children, of which about 450 were found.

Many families said they were left without answers, updates, or a system they could trust.

Advocacy groups like “I Be Black Girl” said this bill is about more than numbers; it’s about recognition.

One of the most powerful moments came from a sister, saying her older sister has been missing since 2018, and her body is still being searched for.

She spoke about waiting for phone calls that never came and about feeling invisible in a system that moved on too quickly.

In a letter she wrote: I am the younger sister of Camisha Hollis, who went missing in Omaha in 2018. To this day, my sister’s remains have never been recovered. Although on paper, Camisha is a statistic, she was simply much more than that. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting her, your heart would crumble into pieces because of her no longer being there, and that influence is that powerful.

Supporters said the study would help identify gaps in reporting, bias in investigations, and barriers that prevent families from getting help.

“When we say Nebraska should be for everyone, it should be for everyone. And that includes missing Black women and children, who are missing at high rates in our state,” Kathruima said.

The bill is in committee and would have to pass there before heading to the legislative floor for debate.