Black and Abducted

Interview with Josef Cannon, father of an abducted child, that has been returned, co-author of the Synclair-Cannon Act, Advocate, Author, Actor, speaks to being Black in the world of abduction.

1. Josef, it has been reported that black children/children of color are not depicted on missing children's posters because they do not draw the sympathy of the public as do blond hair blue eyed children do. What is your experience with this.

"As a parent of a once abducted/missing child it angers me to know that the color of her skin determined the amount of media coverage that could of led to a speedier return.  My daughter Shelby was able to get lots of posters and news coverage, but it was more about the angle of me being an Actor in Hollywood then anything else.  When I speak to Black or Hispanic parents whose children are missing I see the pain in their eyes as they express the helplessness feeling of seeing "other" children on posters and newscast but theirs are invisible or nonexistent to the outside world."

2. Have you found that as an African American father involved in international child abduction, you are treated differently in the USA than you are abroad?

"I'll let you determine that just by listing a few facts......I am the co-Author of the Synclair-Cannon Child Abduction Prevent Act, was named National Spokesman for Identity Theft, I've written, produced and starred in numerous Television & Film projects. I have books written being dedicated to me by victims of Parental Abduction who felt my experience in this situation assisted them tremendously and also had the assistance of fellow actors Pierce Brosnan/Jean-Claude Van Damme in helping to find and fight for the return of my abducted daughter eleven years after she went missing but there wasn't ONE STORY written about her here in the country of her birth and place where as her father, I have given so much with little to nothing in return. But abroad where I am NOT A CITIZEN we are FRONT page news, all over the airwaves and getting assistance from EVERYONE there and it leaves me speechless!  I am so thankful to not only the foreign press, but the many politicians outside of North America who have stepped to the plate to help when the country I love with all my heart ignores us.  It seems in North America, being a black father I wasn't treated the same as white fathers in the similiar position.  All we have to do is look at the recent DATELINE story on David Goldman, a father whose situation mirrors mine but has received amazing coverage and support throughout the United States. Let me be clear, i am VERY HAPPY for David and any parent who gets the coverage and help that can result in the finding and return of their child i just feel that as a father of color we aren't given the same considerations."

3. How have you worked to promote greater public awareness on the issue of international parental abduction, and what has motivated you to continue efforts after your child has been returned?

"As I briefly mentioned above about the law I co-authored with Larry Synclair Sr., books written about and by me on the subject of Parental Abduction. My clothing line, "CannonWear" which I'm donating all the proceeds to missing children as well as the awareness I hope my success in upcoming film projects will bring to this plight.  For eleven years I had to battle, so i understand the frustration, fear and anger so many parents are or have experienced dealing with having a missing child.  I just want to let them know they are not alone and hopefully my story of NEVER giving up can inspire them on the days they are feeling weak, for we all do from time to time.  Each day I speak to my daughter, now 15 years old I am so thankful, but i can't forget those who are in a place that I once was so I MUST give back, for it is the right thing to do!"

4. What do you find most frustrating as both a parent and advocate regarding international child abduction.

"I don't believe in the system anymore!  I don't believe in those that were hired to work and help parents for I'm hearing horror stories about the mere people that are there to assist us choosing to do just the opposite.  Certain individuals are playing God, making decisions that are outside their role or position.  It is not fair for groups to determine that certain kids shouldn't be highlighted on posters because they didn't fit the "idea portrait" of beauty. Authorities shouldn't determine the speed or effort of help because one father is white and the other isn't.  I could go on and on for there are so many things that saddens me in this regard.  At the end of the day, when I walk into my daughters room I remember crying just looking at her empty bed.  The sounds of other children playing was like a knife being stuck in my heart each and every time. The confusion of wanting help but not understanding why it wasn't coming. These are just the tip of the iceberg. I will do whatever I can to shed light on not just the missing children but those hired to do the right thing but aren't!"

5. What do you believe is one of the greatest mis-conceptions about African American families experiencing international child abducting.

"That we don't care for our children as much as those parents who are of non-color.  This is a topic that bothers me more then any for why should there be any difference about what we are feeling and anyone else?  It is simple, if a child is missing lets do whatever we can to find them and reunite them with their families........PERIOD!"

6. What do you think needs to happen?

 "Like with most things there needs to be awareness and education.  A lot of people view Parental Abduction not as a crime but as a "domestic dispute." The goal, my goal, is to scream loud enough and long enough and hopefully one day what is being treated with deaf ears will be heard loud and clear!"