The Dark Market: The Overlooked Crisis of Organ Trafficking in Communities of Color

The Dark Market: The Overlooked Crisis of Organ Trafficking in Communities of Color

Eyes $30,000, lungs $150,000, heart $168,000... the list continues with vital organs being sold illegally. It's a billion-dollar global industry. Human traffickers target the desperate and the ill. Is this occurring in the U.S.? For years, the Black and Missing Foundation has received reports of people of color going missing or being taken in the U.S. for organ harvesting. What does organ harvesting entail, and why isn't it being discussed? Discover more in this episode of Untold Stories: Black and Missing.

The Chilling Case of Model Ryan Singleton: Was Organ Harvesting Behind His Disappearance and Death?

Ryan Singleton was a vibrant 24-year-old model who vanished without a trace on a seemingly innocuous trip to California. When his body was discovered, it was missing Ryan’s eyes, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, leaving more questions than answers. Eleven years later, Ryan's mother, Iris Flowers, continues her quest for the truth, determined to uncover what truly happened to her son.

NBC’s 'Found' and the Black and Missing Foundation: Where Fiction and Real-Life Intersect

The intersection of fiction and real-life is on display as fans of the hit NBC series "Found" begins its second season.  The show has captured audiences with its compelling depiction of the search for missing persons. Host Joy Sutton and BAMFI Founders Derrica and Natalie Wilson had the chance to speak with the show's innovative creators Nkecki Carroll and Sonay Hoffman and talented cast member Gabrielle Walsh to explore the inspiration behind their storytelling that highlights the critical issue of missing persons cases, especially within communities of color. This is a Black and Missing Foundation special, exploring the idea of how fiction can educate and impact real-life.

When Seniors Go Missing: The Impact of Dementia

Wandering is common with all types of dementia.  According to the Alzheimer's Association, 6 in 10 people suffering from any form of dementia will wander away from their caregivers, often putting them in dangerous situations.  In this Untold Stories: Black and Missing episode, our panel of experts explain why this happens and steps we can take to prevent wandering to keep our loved ones safe.

Lost Memories Lead to a Missing Mother: The Ruth Jenkins Mystery

Ruth Jenkins is a retired teacher, a woman of faith, and a mother who always put her family first. At 76, she was also experiencing the early stags of dementia. One day, she walked away from her home and never returned. When seniors go missing dementia is often a factor. Six in 10 people with dementia will wander from their caregivers at least once, putting their lives in danger. Dementia may have been a factor in Ruth Jenkins' disappearance, but unanswered questions also point to the involvement of another individual.