Press Conference To Honor Shields

The family of Ronald Pierre Shields invites community leaders, clergy, victim advocates, and the public to join them in honoring his life and legacy while addressing critical questions about prevention and community safety. This press conference will recognize the heroism of 13-year-old TJ, announce the creation of the Ronald Pierre Shields Hope Initiative, and call for systemic changes in mental health intervention and victim support.

TJ and his sister Ajaniyah represent countless young people who witness violence and require long-term support and counseling to process their experiences. Their experience highlights the critical need for guaranteed long-term counseling for child witnesses of violence, a key component of the systemic changes being called for.

The gathering will take place on Friday, August 29, at 1 p.m. at Vineland City Hall, 2nd Floor Council Chambers, 640 E. Wood Street in Vineland.