The start of 2025 has brought alarming reports of multiple missing young Black girls in Oakland, California, sparking concern among local communities and law enforcement.
Oakland, a city just east of San Francisco Bay with a diverse population of nearly half a million residents, has long grappled with human trafficking issues. The recent disappearances are raising fears of potential exploitation.
The Missing Girl
1. Jozeryah Shante Myrah Kirkendall

- Missing Since: Jan. 7, 2025
- Age: 16
- Last Seen: 1700 block of Telegraph Road, Oakland, CA
- Description: Jozeryah is a Black female with medium complexion, 5’3” tall, and weighs 186 pounds. She has long black hair and brown eyes.
- Circumstances: Authorities suspect Jozeryah may be traveling in a Toyota Camry and could be in the Sacramento area, possibly with another female juvenile.
2. Xia Rogers Giles

- Missing Since: Jan. 16, 2025
- Age: 16
- Last Seen: 4300 block of Tompkins Avenue, Oakland, CA
- Description: Xia is a Black female with a light complexion, 5’6” tall, and weighs 130 pounds. She has shoulder-length black hair and brown eyes.
- Circumstances: Details about her disappearance remain unclear.
3. Lauren “Eunice” Byias

- Missing Since: Jan. 17, 2025
- Age: 15
- Last Seen: 4000 block of MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland, CA
- Description: Lauren is a Black female, 5’4” tall, and weighs 160 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white jogger suit and tennis shoes, walking toward the MacArthur BART station.
A Community in Crisis
Oakland Police Department and the Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI) are urging the public to come forward with any information about these disappearances.
The Oakland Police Department Missing Persons Unit can be reached at (510) 238-3641, and BAMFI at 877-97-BAMFI or via www.BAMFI.org.
Human trafficking experts warn that Oakland’s proximity to major transportation hubs and the city’s existing trafficking concerns make it a hotspot for criminal activity. Advocacy groups stress the importance of early reporting, community vigilance, and intervention to prevent further harm.
Protecting Vulnerable Youth
Community organizations are intensifying outreach efforts to educate families about the risks of trafficking and the importance of monitoring children’s online activity and social interactions. Advocacy campaigns also highlight systemic issues contributing to the vulnerability of Black girls, who often face disproportionate risks and media underreporting in cases of disappearance.
How to Help
- Report Tips: Share any information about the missing girls to law enforcement or BAMFI.
- Stay Vigilant: Look out for signs of trafficking in your community and educate yourself on how to respond.
- Support Local Advocacy Groups: Organizations like BAMFI work tirelessly to ensure missing Black girls receive the attention they deserve.