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<div>On Friday, June 2, 2023, Ajike "Aj" Owens, a devoted and loving mother of four, was tragically and unjustifiably murdered in an attempt to protect her children from racism and violence. Her mother is now left to raise her grandchildren. AJ's story is chronicled in the Netflix documentary The Perfect Neighbor.  
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<div><strong>What Happened to AJ:</strong>
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<div>Ajike's children were playing in a field next to an Ocala apartment complex when an unidentified 58-year-old white woman reportedly began yelling at them and calling them racial slurs. The children left but accidentally left an iPad behind, which the woman took. When one of the children went to her residence to retrieve it, she threw it, hitting the boy and cracking the screen. After Ajike's children informed her of what happened, she walked across the street with her kids to speak with the woman. She knocked on the door, and at that point, the woman allegedly shot through the door, hitting Ajike, who later died from her injuries. The woman responsible has not yet been identified, arrested, or charged with anything by law enforcement.
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<div><strong>About AJ:</strong>
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<div>Ajike Owens (affectionately known as AJ) graciously affected all she came into contact with her infectious personality. She had a smile that would light up the room. But most of all, she was known for how much she loved and absolutely lived for her four children. To say she loved her children unconditionally is an understatement. She was a single mother whose life centered around her children. She was the Team Mom for her children’s football/cheerleading teams. She excelled professionally as a manager in the Restaurant/Hospitality industry. She was a devoted Christian who believed in bringing her kids up in a supportive Christian environment. After being a devoted mother, she was a devoted friend that took friendships to heart. There wasn’t anything that she wouldn’t do for those near and dear to her heart. She often would give to other single mothers that were in similar situations that she’d been in.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help:</strong>
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<div>1. Donate to this cause to support funeral and memorial expenses for AJ. (Goal Met)
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<div>2. Donate to contribute to AJ's children's education expenses.
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<div>3. Donate to contribute to Housing and all other living expenses for the family.
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<div><strong>Justice for AJ and So Many Others: The Fight to End Stand Your Ground: </strong>
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<div>In 2023, we witnessed the shooting of Ralph Yarl and the killing of Kaylin Gillis as instances where the Stand Your Ground doctrine has emboldened individuals to use unnecessary violent force in the name of self-defense. This is yet another instance where the law could potentially come into play and erode justice.
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<div>AJ's family has partnered with activists and national advocacy groups to effect change on a national scale.
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alyssa thurman

Justice for Ajike "AJ" Owens and Her Children

Justice for Ajike "AJ" Owens and Her Children

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