Black Women Leaders Mobilize Nationwide Screenings of The Perfect Neighbor
Black women leaders across the United States have come together to host more than 100 community screenings of the documentary The Perfect Neighbor. The gatherings aim to keep the story of Ajike “AJ” Owens alive while encouraging communities to discuss justice, safety, and civic engagement.
The initiative is led by Win With Black Women in partnership with the Standing in the Gap Fund. Organizers launched the screenings ahead of the 97th Academy Awards, where the film has received major attention during awards season.
As a result, the effort has grown into a powerful grassroots movement. Leaders say the screenings are not only about watching a film. Instead, they serve as spaces where communities can reflect, learn, and organize for change.
The Story of AJ Owens and the Documentary’s Powerful Message
The documentary tells the heartbreaking story of Owens, a Black mother who was fatally shot on June 2, 2023, in Ocala, Florida. Authorities said the shooting involved her neighbor, Susan Louise Lorincz.
Using real footage and interviews, The Perfect Neighbor explores the events surrounding the tragedy. The film also highlights broader issues that many communities face, including racial violence, neighborhood safety, and controversial laws such as Stand Your Ground.
Because of its powerful storytelling, the documentary has gained national attention. It has already received more than 24 award nominations, showing how deeply the story has resonated with audiences across the country.
Community Watch Parties Turn Conversations Into Action
Organizers say the watch parties are designed to spark meaningful conversations. Some gatherings take place in living rooms among friends and family. Others happen in larger spaces such as churches, community centers, and civic organizations.
Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women, explained why the effort matters so much right now.
“Black women have always organized in moments when the nation’s conscience is being tested. These community screenings are about more than a documentary. They are about remembrance, justice for AJ, and making sure our communities are informed and prepared to take action—from voting to policy change.”
According to organizers, the initiative shows how community conversations can grow into collective action. When people gather to discuss issues openly, they often leave feeling motivated to make change in their neighborhoods.
Honoring AJ Owens’ Life Through Advocacy and Awareness
The movement also reflects the ongoing work of Win With Black Women, a network made up of hundreds of thousands of Black women leaders across business, politics, culture, and advocacy. Since Owens’ death, the group has supported her family and helped keep national attention on the issues connected to her story.
Meanwhile, the Standing in the Gap Fund was created in 2023 to honor Owens and others who lost their lives to racial violence. The organization now leads the impact campaign tied to the documentary, helping expand its reach and message.
Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, said the screenings carry deep meaning for her family.
“Every time people gather to watch this film and talk about Ajike, they are honoring her life and helping ensure her story continues to matter. My hope is that people leave these conversations not just moved, but committed—to voting, to speaking up, and to making sure other families never have to experience what ours has.”
Through these nationwide gatherings, organizers believe the film is doing exactly what it was meant to do—turn remembrance into action and storytelling into a movement for justice.
