Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls commitment is statewide

Simple but powerful words from two young girls stopped Luana Nelson-Brown in her tracks. 

The elementary-school-aged girls stood in front of the Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls (MMBWG) table during Safe City Nights in Rochester. They were picking out pink bags and wanted matching MMBWG patches for their shirts. As they were looking at the patches, one of them said, “Girls should not have to worry about going missing.”

For Nelson-Brown, the MMBWG Office’s head of advocacy and victim support, these words captured exactly why the work of the MMBWG Office exists and is needed. 

“There is something protective about connection and community,” Nelson-Brown said. “And in their own way, these two girls were already living that. They may not yet have the language to describe friendship as a protective factor, but they understood something very naturally about standing together.”

Families, local leaders and law enforcement work every day to keep their communities safe. “Our staff is being very intentional about meeting community where they are to engage them in our work, receive their input and be supportive where needed," said MMBWG Director Kaleena Burkes. 

Safe City Nights is a summer series for the Rochester community to meet with city and public safety organizations in a relaxed environment. Showing up emphasizes the MMBWG Office’s commitment to ensuring that every community has access to information, resources and support that centers safety and dignity for Black women and girls. 

The issues they face do not disappear outside the Twin Cities Metro Area. Violence, exploitation and disappearances impact families in every corner of Minnesota, including communities not always included in statewide conversations. 

Throughout the evening, many people who stopped by the MMBWG table shared they were hearing about the office for the first time. Some expressed their support immediately, recognizing the enormous need for the work. Others simply thanked MMBWG staff for being there. 

Each conversation — whether a moment of learning about the office, affirmation for the office or gratitude for the work — underscored just how important the office’s mission is. They are reminders that visibility matters and being present in communities across Minnesota helps build the awareness and trust needed to keep Black women and girls safe. 

Weeks after the event, Nelson-Brown still thinks about those two girls at the MMBWG table. “Seeing them safe, happy and proudly carrying their MMBWG bags was a renewing moment and a glimpse of the future MMBWG is fighting for. One where Black women and girls can simply live, grow, play and be together without fear.”