: A Name We Should All Know: The Story of Efuru Perry

I grew up in Kinston, surrounded by familiar faces and stories that shaped our community. Yet, until recently, I had never heard the name Efuru Perry. How is it possible that someone from our own town could go missing, and so many of us remain unaware? It makes me wonder—do we give up that easily in law enforcement, or do we even care enough to keep hope alive?

If Efuru had been a member of one of their families, would the search have ended so soon? Would her name have faded into silence, or would every resource have been used to bring her home? These are questions we must ask ourselves, not just as individuals, but as a community.

Kinston, like many small towns, has its share of missing persons—each one a story that deserves to be told and a life that deserves to be found. The Kinston Police Department states that it investigates all missing persons reports to the fullest extent, with special programs like Silver Alert to help locate endangered individuals. Yet, for families waiting for answers, it often feels like hope fades too quickly and cases slip into silence. When someone goes missing in our community, we must ask ourselves: are we doing enough to keep their stories alive and ensure every possible lead is followed?

The concern grows deeper when we look at the broader picture of unsolved violent crimes. Statewide in North Carolina, 65% of violent crimes went unsolved in 2022—a rate even higher than the national average. While Kinston’s police maintain a cold cases page, detailed statistics for our city aren’t published, leaving many to wonder just how many families are still waiting for justice. These numbers raise important questions about whether law enforcement is truly doing all it can, especially for those who may not have a voice or the resources to keep their cases in the spotlight. We owe it to every missing person and every unsolved case to demand more, to push for answers, and to never give up hope.

We cannot let Efuru Perry’s story be forgotten. Let’s circulate her name, her face, and her story until it reaches every corner of Kinston and beyond. Let’s urge law enforcement to use every tool available—including technology that can match missing persons to Jane Doe files across the country. Efuru deserves the same hope, the same effort, and the same determination we would give to our own loved ones.

Let’s stand together for Efuru Perry. Let’s make sure her story is heard, and that hope is never lost.