The Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls (MMBWG) Office was established in 2023 to reduce and end the
systemic neglect and violence faced by Black women and girls in
Minnesota. We are dedicated to:
- Supporting
families and communities
- Ensuring timely investigations
- Fostering
collaboration with law enforcement
- Advocating for policies that
promote justice and equity.
Our goal is to honor the lives of those
missing and murdered, elevate their stories, and work tirelessly to
prevent future tragedies through education, awareness and
transformative action.
What we do
- Support and guide families during a law enforcement investigation.
- Facilitate communication between investigators, survivors and family members.
- Help develop and distribute missing persons materials.
- Connect to victim services professionals, mental health services, support groups and crime victim advocates.
- Present education and awareness lectures to youth, families and the community.
History
The formation of the office was a recommendation included in the 2022 Report to the Minnesota Legislature by the Missing and Murdered African American Women (MMAAW) Task Force. The report to the legislature and documents related to the Missing and Murdered African American Women Task can be found here.
A proposal to create the office was introduced during the 2023 legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz signed into law the establishment of the nation's first Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Office. Staff of this historic office will work to engage community, partner with key justice stakeholders, and implement the MMAAW Task Force's recommendations.
Minnesota statute outlines the MMBWG Office's authority.
Leadership
Kaleena Burkes, Director
MMBWG Office Director Kaleena Burkes worked at the State Guardian ad Litem Board for nearly seven years. During her time there, she served as a program and training analyst and later became the organizational development manager, where she managed statewide strategic issues, contract management, compliance and the training department.
Her appetite for getting to the why brought her to Minnesota. She served as a research associate at the University of Minnesota Law School's Robina Institute.
She began leading the MMBWG Office in 2024.
Staff
The MMBWG Office is currently in the planning and formation stage, with hiring for staff positions anticipated in the coming months. Please come back here for updated information.
Contact us
To contact the MMBWG Office, please email Kaleena Burkes or call 651-387-1745.
Media inquiries
For media inquiries, please contact the Department of Public Safety Office of Communications
This DPS news release contains more information about the MMBWG Office.
