BLACK NEWS, WE ARE THEIR VOICE
The Dock Ellis Foundation has been making waves in the media, garnering attention for its impactful advocacy, community engagement, and commitment to addressing the disparities and challenges faced by minority communities in the context of missing persons cases. Here are some of the notable mentions and features highlighting the foundation's work and initiatives:
News Features
For media inquiries or to learn more about the foundation's initiatives, please feel free to reach out to us.
News Features
- Local News Coverage: The foundation's community outreach efforts and advocacy initiatives have been featured in local news outlets, shedding light on the importance of addressing disparities in missing persons cases within minority communities.
- Spotlight on Advocacy: Media coverage has highlighted the foundation's advocacy work, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment and support for missing individuals from minority backgrounds.
- Guest Appearances: Representatives from the Dock Ellis Foundation have been invited as guests on various podcasts, sharing insights, stories, and perspectives on the unique challenges faced by minority families in missing persons cases.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Podcast appearances have provided a platform to raise awareness, advocate for policy reforms, and amplify the voices of individuals impacted by missing persons cases in minority communities.
- Social Media Recognition: The foundation's community engagement efforts, including workshops, events, and outreach activities, have garnered recognition on social media platforms, amplifying the message of equity and inclusivity.
- Collaborative Initiatives: Collaborations with community organizations and leaders have been highlighted, showcasing the foundation's commitment to fostering collaboration and support within minority communities.
- Advocacy Campaigns: The foundation's advocacy campaigns and initiatives have been featured in media stories, emphasizing the importance of creating pathways for empowerment and change in the context of missing individuals from minority backgrounds.
- Empowering Voices: Media coverage has spotlighted the foundation's efforts to empower individuals from minority communities, providing a platform for their voices to be heard and their stories to be shared.
For media inquiries or to learn more about the foundation's initiatives, please feel free to reach out to us.
|
March 6, 2024
Daughter of legendary baseball player continues legacy of caring for those often overlookedMeet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Jasmine Ellis. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.
|
|
February 12, 2024
Missing Texas man last seen heading to Louisiana casinoNACOGDOCHES, Texas - Days from her son's birthday, Shereba Bryant Nunn is hoping she'll receive a gift this year and the only thing she wants is for her missing son to return home. "It's just hard. Honestly, it's breaking me down mentally and physically," says Bryant Nunn.
|
February 10, 2024
Marayna Rodgers’ remains were found in the Nevada desertDAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- Thousands of children in the Miami Valley go missing every year and some are never found. Dayton 24/7 Now's Kysha Hancock spoke to Michelle McCown-Luster from The Dock Ellis Foundation about what they're doing to bring home missing minority children.
|
December 18, 2023
Marayna Rodgers’ remains were found in the Nevada desertThe 23-year-old woman went missing during a trip to Las Vegas earlier this month. Two people have been arrested in connection with her disappearance.
LAS VEGAS – Remains of missing Washington woman found in Nevada desert, based on The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and a professional basketball player are among those charged with her murder. |
December 18, 2023
NBA G League player, girlfriend accused of killing woman: Las Vegas policeLAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An NBA G League player and his girlfriend are accused of killing a woman who had been reported missing earlier this month, according to Las Vegas Metro Police.
Chance Comanche, 27, and Sakari Harnden, 19, were both taken into custody in recent days in connection with the disappearance of Marayna Rodgers, 23. |
December 17, 2023
Kings G League player Chance Comanche arrested, facing murder charge after woman's death in Las VegasChance Comanche and his girlfriend, Sakari Harnden, are facing an open murder charge after the death of Marayna Rodgers in Las Vegas earlier this month. A former player on the Sacramento Kings G League affiliate was arrested by local FBI agents on Friday and is now facing an open murder charge in connection with the death of a woman in Las Vegas earlier this month.
|
December 16, 2023
NBA G League player in custody in connection with woman’s disappearance in Las Vegas
|
December 15, 2023
Woman visiting Las Vegas reported missing, friend arrestedLAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A woman has been reported missing, and a woman identified as her friend was arrested. Marayna Rodgers, 23, was last seen on Dec. 6, according to loved ones. Sakari Harnden, 19, faces a first-degree kidnapping charge in connection with the disappearance of Rodgers.
|
December 14, 2023
‘Slap in the face to the victims’: Advocate demands accountability after Las Vegas murder-suicideLAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Questions remain about a Dec. 11 murder-suicide in Las Vegas. Marvin Patterson, 42, killed his wife, daughter and stepdaughter before shooting and killing himself, according to Las Vegas Metro Police. He also shot his wife’s son who was taken to the hospital with life-threatening conditions.
|
December 14, 2023
Friends of murder-suicide victims seek answers
|
December 10, 2023
Erica Tooson's family is asking for help finding her; she's been missing since late OctoberDAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- Erica Tooson’s family and best friend are hurting right now, and they are desperately looking for her. According to the Dock Ellis Foundation, Erica Tooson was last seen in Dayton on Oct. 27 near N. Main Street and E. Siebenthaler Avenue. Now, her family is asking for the community's help to find the 44-year-old.
|
November 21, 2023
Black Women’s Advocacy Paved the Way for Policies on Missing Black Women and GirlsIn America, there is an epidemic of missing Black women and girls. This year, as a result of long-term advocacy led by Black women, lawmakers in Minnesota and California passed groundbreaking legislation to combat this epidemic. Similar legislation has been introduced in several other states and on the federal level.
|
November 11, 2023
A vigil held to honor Cierra Chapman's birthday
|
November 8, 2023
Houston missing person: Authorities searching for 39-year-old Destin HendersonHOUSTON - The Harris County Sheriff’s Office needs your help locating a missing man last seen on October 23. Authorities are looking fo 39-year-old Destin Henderson. Officials said he was last seen at 400 block of Highland Cross in North Harris County.
|
September 28, 2023
Nonprofit demands for Memphis Riverboats to make changesMEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The CEO of the Dock Ellis Foundation said for Memphis Riverboats to carry up to 300 patrons and be off-land for two hours, there needs to be more sense of security.
|
September 27, 2023
Body of Tamia Taylor, who went missing from a riverboat cruise, found in the Mississippi RiverAccording to law enforcement authorities with the Memphis Police Department and the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office, the body of Tamia Taylor was found in the Mississippi River on Sept. 23.
|
September 26, 2023
Memphis organization addresses lack of resources for missing Black women
MEMPHIS, Tenn — ABC24 is highlighting one group dedicated to assisting searches and raising awareness. Tamia Taylor was reported missing on September 10 after visiting downtown Memphis last Saturday to go on a Riverboats cruise. Her body was found in the Mississippi River on September 23.
|
September 26, 2023
Body found after 21-year-old goes missing from Mississippi riverboat birthday cruise: ‘This is very traumatic’A body has been recovered in the Mississippi River near the area where a 21-year-old woman went missing while out on a riverboat birthday cruise, police said.
|
September 25, 2023
Body found after 21-year-old never got off birthday cruise on Mississippi River, cops say
|
September 6, 2023
EPISODE 15: The Missing
|
September 4, 2023
Missing 15-year-old girl from Dayton found safe thanks to community effort and Dock Ellis FoundationDAYTON , Ohio (WKEF) -- A 15-year-old girl is home safe Monday after disappearing for nearly a week. Saniya Sanders was found Sunday night around 7 p.m. after leaving her Dayton home last Tuesday, August 29.
|
July 6, 2023
Dock Ellis Foundation to accept donations supporting family of slain 2-year-old
|
July 6, 2023
'I’m upset I wasn’t here for her': Wynter Smith's father grapples with loss after 2-year-old's body foundDETROIT (FOX 2) - The father of Wynter Cole Smith, who was found dead in Detroit on Wednesday after being kidnapped over the weekend [..]
|
July 5, 2023
National organization joins search for missing toddler Wynter Smith
A national organization has joined the search for 2-year-old Wynter Smith, saying their phones have been ringing off the hook.
|
July 5, 2023
Body of missing Lansing girl Wynter Cole Smith found in Detroit; investigation ongoingLANSING — Lansing police confirmed Wednesday night they have found Wynter Cole Smith's body on Detroit's east side.
|
July 5, 2023
Grandfather of missing Wynter Smith 'hasn't slept or eaten' since her Amber AlertThe nightmare for the family of Wynter Cole Smith continues as the 2-year-old has been missing for three days now.
|
June 29, 2023
Family desperate for answers in missing pregnant woman case
The search continues for missing 22-year-old who vanished more than four months ago while nine months pregnant.
|
June 29, 2023
Family Of Missing Pregnant Woman In Beaumont Desperate For Answers As Search Intensifies
|
May 31, 2023
SBI called in to aid search for missing Halifax County mother after WRAL News questioned investigationInvestigators say the SBI has been called in to join the search for Jewel Sykes, a Halifax County mother who disappeared nearly four months ago.
|
May 31, 2023
SBI jons search for Halifax County mother missing for months
|
May 24, 2023
Family looking for answers in February disappearance of North Carolina mother of three, Jewel SykesThe 37-year-old was last seen on February 2, 2023, in Halifax County, North Carolina.
|
May 21, 2023
Family alleges lack of interest
|
May 18, 2023
Endangered Missing Alert issued for San Luis Valley man | KRDOBLANCA, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued an Endangered Missing Alert for a man last seen in Blanca, Colorado, in the San Luis Valley.
According to the Blanca Police Department (BPD), 46-year-old Kenny John was last seen May 12 in the area of 400 Broadway St. in Blanca. He was last seen with a 2023 white Polaris Ranger 1000 Premium and a black Rettig flatbed trailer that are also missing. |
April 13, 2023
Foundation helping family of missing womanThe Dock Ellis Foundation is a national missing persons organization dedicated to bringing home minorities.
According to a press release received April 6 from the organization, “We are assisting Ms. Jewel’s family with hope we can bring her home to her family, most importantly her children. We have activated our 24-hour hotline (888-222-6050). |
April 11, 2023
Tulsa Police looking for missing womanTULSA, Okla. — Tulsa Police are looking for a woman who has been missing since April 3.
According to police, those close to 32-year-old Joyce Gipson filed a missing persons report in April. Her family says she was last seen April 3 in Tulsa. They say she was headed to the Tulsa Mass Transit District around 6:30 a.m. to take the bus to a temp job. |
April 11, 2023
Ellis foundation takes role in case of missing Weldon womanThe Dock Ellis Foundation has taken a role in assisting in the search for a missing Weldon woman.
The foundation is the legacy of the late Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dock Ellis and is a national missing persons organization dedicated to bringing minorities home. |
April 10, 2023
HCSO seeking missing woman
|
April 1, 2023
Local foundation helping children and families searching for their loved onesDAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- Nearly 300 people have been reported missing in Ohio this year alone. Local non-profits are working to support them
|
March 31, 2023
Missing person – Shariff “Pete” Goldston
|
March 31, 2023
Dock Ellis Foundation Easter fundraiserSince the start of the year, more than 300 people have been reported missing in Ohio.
One, local non-profit is working hard to support those families, here and across the country. Dayton 24/7 Now's Clara Faith has more. |
March 13, 2023
Family continues search for missing Garrison manGARRISON, Texas (KTRE) - The search for 31-year-old Don’Tavia Bryant of Garrison is entering its third week, as he went missing on Feb. 26. He was last seen at a Bossier City Casino.
|
March 7, 2023
Garrison area man missing from LA casinoAuthorities are seeking clues about the disappearance of a Garrison area man from a Louisiana casino.
|
March 6, 2023
Weldon PD searches for missing womanThe Weldon Police Department is looking for Jewel Sykes due to her being reported missing at about 11:30 a.m. on March 3.
|
March 6, 2023
Texas man reported missing from Margaritaville CasinoBossier City Police need help locating a man reportedly last seen at a local casino in late February. Don’Tavia Bryant, 31, of Garrison, TX was reported missing by a family member on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
|
February 26, 2023
Search effort for missing Denver woman includes bloodhounds, flyers, supportersMany times families have to take actions into their own hands. Dock Ellis Foundation, Justice Takes Flight & Miranda Conners family conducted searched efforts today with hopes of bringing Miranda Home.
|
February 25, 2023
Search effort for missing Denver woman includes bloodhounds, flyers, supportersFamily, friends and supporters of a missing Denver woman gathered Saturday at an apartment complex...
|
February 25, 2023
Family, friends and volunteers search for missing mother from DenverDENVER — Family and friends are still hanging on to hope that Miranda Conner, a mother from Denver, will be found. According to police, the mother of two was last seen in the area of West 85th Avenue and North Pecos Street in Federal Heights.
|
February 16, 2023
Denver police says missing woman Miranda Conner could be in dangerThe family of missing 30-year-old Miranda Conner is asking for the community's help in finding her whereabouts.
|
Feb 15, 2023
Denver mother of two missing for nearly two weeks
|
February 15, 2023
Where is Miranda Conner? Colorado Woman Vanished Earlier this MonthAuthorities in Colorado are looking for Miranda Conner. The 30-year-old missing woman hasn’t been in contact with her loved ones since at least the beginning of the month, and now they’re worried about her.
|
February 14, 2023
Mother of missing Denver woman seeks answers
|
February 12, 2023
'He wants his mom' Dayton Police continues to search for Cierra Chapman
DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- The search continues for Cierra Chapman. Chapman was last seen on Dec.
|
February 12, 2023
‘She didn’t go missing by accident;’ More than 60 volunteers search for missing Dayton motherDAYTON — Around 70 volunteers searched areas of southwest Dayton Saturday in the hopes of finding any leads that could bring Cierra Chapman home.
|
February 10, 2023
Police Say Ohio Mother Missing Since December 'Didn’t Go Missing By Accident,' Large-Scale Search UnderwayCierra Chapman disappeared on Dec. 27 after leaving her ex-boyfriend's Dayton-area apartment, according to police.
|
February 10, 2023
FBI searching for missing Dayton mother as the family continues to find her
|
February 10, 2023
FBI offering $10,000 reward for information leading to recovery of missing Dayton woman
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the whereabouts of Cierra Chapman, Dayton police Maj.
|
February 9, 2023
‘Very large search’ to be conducted for missing Dayton woman, Cierra ChapmanDAYTON — Dayton police are continuing to search for Cierra Chapman, who has been missing since the . . .
|
February 09, 2023
‘Very large search’ to be conducted for missing Dayton woman, Cierra ChapmanDAYTON — Dayton police are continuing to search for Cierra Chapman, who has been missing since the end of December.
|
February 08, 2023
Police ask for help finding missing woman
|
February 05, 2023
Redmond mother desperate to find mentally ill sonA Redmond mother is desperate to find her mentally ill son, who walked away from their home nearly two weeks ago.
|
February 01, 2023
Hot Stove on '71 All-Star GameTo commence Black History Month, Ron Darling and Matt Vasgersian reflect on starters Dock Ellis vs. Vida Blue in the 1971 All-Star Game.
|
January 29, 2023
Ohio Search Team Partners with the Dock Ellis Foundation to Optimize Search CoverageThe Search and Rescue members of the Ohio Special Response Team (OSRT) are proud to announce our alliance with the Dock Ellis Foundation.
|
January 29, 2023
Columbus police: 6-month-old twin involved in December Amber Alert diesCOLUMBUS, Ohio (WOIO) - Columbus Police Department officials confirmed that 6-month-old Ky’air Thomas, who was at the center of an Ohio Amber Alert on Dec. 19, 2022, died late Saturday night.
|
Jan 25, 2023 Updated Feb 7, 2023
17-year-old Denver boy to be tried as adult in 16-year-old girl's December slayingDenver District Attorney's Office prosecutors charged a 17-year-old as an adult in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old girl, whose body was found behind a dumpster in December.
|
January 25, 2023
Missing 10-year-old girl found safe, St. Paul Police report[UPDATE -- Jan. 25, 2023: St. Paul police reported Wednesday afternoon that the girl had been found safe, and continued, "Thank you to everyone who shared our post and offered assistance".]
|
January 18, 2023
More than 60 volunteers help search for missing Dayton womanDAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — The community came together for a major search for a missing Dayton woman, Cierra Chapman.
|
January 18, 2023
Cierra Chapman's family: 'We're feeling anxious, We just want to know'DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- A search for a missing woman last seen in Trotwood was held on Sunday. Cierra J. Chapman, 30, was last seen early Tuesday, Dec. 27, leaving her ex-boyfriend's apartment in Trotwood, according to Dayton Police Maj. Brian Johns.
|
January 12, 2023
‘She’s a fighter’: Family of missing Dayton woman pleading for community’s helpDAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Family members of Cierra Chapman are pleading for the public’s help to find her after she has been reported missing for more than two weeks.
|
January 12, 2023
‘Suspicious’ circumstances surrounding Ohio woman’s disappearanceMIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WXIX) - A search for a missing woman continues nearly a week after her vehicle was found in Middletown.
|
January 12, 2023
Dayton police searching for missing Dayton woman after car found in MiddletownAccording to police, 30-year-old Cierra Chapman was last seen in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, leaving the apartment of her ex-boyfriend in Trotwood, Ohio.
|
January 12, 2023
Police investigating ‘suspicious disappearance’ of woman last seen in Trotwood; Can you help?The Dayton Police Department is investigating what they consider the “suspicious disappearance” of a woman missing since the end of December.
|
January 12, 2023
Dayton police seek public’s help in ‘very suspicious’ missing person investigationDayton police are asking for the public’s help to find a missing woman who was last seen in late December.
|
December 31, 2022
Dock Ellis Foundation believes Amber Alert could have saved teen's lifeDenver police are still investigating the death of a 16-year-old girl, who investigators believe was killed Monday morning.
|
December 28, 2022
Family says teen found dead Monday was likely killed days earlierTayanna Manuel was reported missing on Christmas Eve.
DENVER — The family of a 16-year-old girl found dead on Monday morning believes she was killed days earlier in a shooting that sent her boyfriend to the hospital. |
December 26, 2022
Dock Ellis Foundation Inc. helps locate missing kids of color across the US, recently worked Denver case
DENVER — When a child goes missing, depending on the situation, an Amber Alert is issued. However, it doesn't apply to all families and all cases.
|
December 22, 2022
Ohio AMBER Alert: Nonprofit helps family search for missing 5-month-old boyDAYTON — Its been over 48 hours since a 5-month-old boy was taken away from his parents.
|
December 22, 2022
Search Continues For Missing Twin Abducted In ColumbusAs of Wednesday afternoon, authorities had not located 5-month-old Kason Thomas, the woman accused of abducting him and his twin on Monday, or the stolen vehicle she drove away.
|
December 22, 2022
Upset about Columbus case of missing twin Kason Thomas? Here's how you can help:The search for missing 5-month-old Kason Thomas drags on Thursday morning — with a focus on Montgomery County.
|
December 22, 2022
Ohio Amber Alert: Search continues for missing infantThe search for a missing child who was inside a vehicle stolen Monday night continued into Wednesday morning, with still no sign of the child, the vehicle or the woman who is accused of taking both.
|
November 7, 2022
Black women are missing in KC.
|
|
October 6, 2022
Jacqueline Reyes, bring her home -
|
September 21, 2022
Two bodies found in Orange County identified as missing teensTwo bodies were found off Buckhorn Road in Hillsborough Sunday, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
|
August 15, 2022
CPS employee caught on camera telling 14-year-old girl to becomeA Children’s Protective Services (CPS) employee was caught on camera telling a 14-year-old girl in foster care at a Harris County hotel to become a prostitute.
|
August 15, 2022
Employee of the Connecticut Department of Children and FamiliesAn employee of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families has been arrested for helping a child sex trafficker avoid police.
|
July 18, 2022
Justice for Marvin ‘Von’ McCray.
|
July 17, 2022
61 arrested in sting targeting prostitution, human traffickingSAN ANTONIO – A sting operation targeting prostitution and human trafficking resulted in the arrests of 61 people in four counties.
|
July 15, 2022
Boy, 13, charged in fatal shooting of 14-year-old girl
|
July 11, 2022
Missing Person alert issued for Ole Miss student
|
July 9, 2022
MISSING P : Tierra Richardson, 20-Years-Old; Last Seen In parkThe St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office seeks your help in locating a missing person: Tierra N. Richardson, 20y/o black female. Last seen: 07/05/22 in Lexington Park
|
July 8, 2022
31-year-old man missing
Police are looking for a man who has been missing for over a week, the Kansas City Police Department said Thursday.
|
July 8, 2022
Identity released: Missing mother of abandoned babyA missing persons report has been filed for the mother of a baby boy who was found alone, and wearing nothing but a diaper, at a southwest Houston apartment complex Tuesday.
|
July 4, 2022
Ex-Detroit Police Officer Stefon Hodo
|
July 4, 2022
Dawnita WilkersonDate(s) of Birth
Used March 14, 1976 Place of Birth Evansville, Indiana Hair Black Eyes Brown... |
July 4, 2022
My Story! My reasonHello my name is Jasmine Lee I run The Dock Ellis Foundation here in Vegas. Dock Phillip Ellis Jr. (March 11, 1945 – December 19, 2008) was an American professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as ...
|
July 4, 2022
Florida Missing Child Alert issued for 6-year-old girlA Florida Missing Child Alert was issued for a 6-year-old girl who was last seen near the 4700 block of South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers.
|
July 3, 2022
Azsia Johnson
A woman walking with her newborn in New York City was fatally shot in the head, police say.
|
July 3, 2022
She disappeared’: Woman searching for daughter missing since 2018MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - The holidays are especially difficult for Machelle Goldsmith. Her daughter Lakira “Pigg” Goldsmith went missing days after Thanksgiving in 2018.
|
July 3, 2022
FOUND - Joshua Hill
|