OCALA, Fla. — Ajike “AJ” Owens’ family has launched the Standing in the Gap Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families affected by gun and racial violence.
The initiative follows the sentencing of Susan Lorincz, the woman convicted of killing Owens through a closed apartment door in 2023. Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, sayz the 25-year prison sentence marked a turning point in their healing journey.
Ajike Owens Nonprofit Turns Tragedy to Purpose
In June 2023, a neighbor shot 35-year-old Ajike Owens, a Black mother of four, through a closed apartment door. The fatal dispute began when her children told her their neighbor had thrown roller skates at them. Lorincz, who is white, claimed self-defense under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law. A jury found her guilty of manslaughter.
Purpose
Dias and cofounder Takema Robinson created the Standing in the Gap Fund to support families in crisis. “What began as a response to unimaginable tragedy has grown into a movement for justice, healing and collective care,” Robinson told CNN.
Grants
The fund offers rapid-response grants to families after gun and racial violence. It will also provide money to activist groups and artists promoting social justice.
Families can apply online and funds can be distributed within two weeks. The money will cover legal fees, funeral costs, relocating, and other expenses that may occur while a family is grieving.
Ajike Owens Mother’s Mission
Owens’ death echoes other high-profile killings, including those of Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin—Black victims whose deaths stemmed from perceived threats and were later justified by their assailants under self-defense or “Stand Your Ground” laws. Each case sparked national outrage and renewed calls for reform…