[June 6, 2023] Families for Freedom’s Statement on the death of Ajike “AJ” Owens

A black mother of 4 was shot and killed in Florida by a neighbor. The woman, named Ajike “AJ” Owens, was killed after defending her children. The perpetrator, who is identified as a 53-year old white woman, threw skates and expressed racial slurs at the children. Unfortunately, Owens was shot through the door and tragically succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Her children’s lives are now changed forever. Due to Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, an arrest has not been made yet for the murder. This law allows people to meet “force with force” if they believe they are in danger of being harmed. Owens didn’t meet the assailant with force. She simply went to confront a neighbor for mistreating her children. 

Families for Freedom stands in solidarity with the Owens Family and all victims of gun violence. It is an egregious reality that in our country, black and brown lives are taken at the hands of racial violence. Florida has several problematic laws that fail to protect marginalized communities. Last month, governor Ron DeSantis passed the strongest anti-immigration policy in the country. Senate Bill 1718 essentially criminalizes being an undocumented immigrant in the state of Florida. Racist policies like SB1718 and “Stand Your Ground” laws promote unjust violence in America. We hope that one day, black and brown people are able to exist in a society that doesn’t view them as threats for the color of their skin. Until then, Families for Freedom vows to continue protecting and advocating for people who face injustice on a daily basis.