By Lynn Jones | May 23, 2022 was the day, Yvonne Fields, mother of 18-year-old Rashaud Fields was an emotional wreck when she heard the news that her son had been shot in the crossfire’s during a melee in the 10700 block of Pine Estates near Leonid Rd on Dunn Avenue.
Fields who had just graduated from Raines High School hours earlier, was headed to the University of Florida to play and aspired to be in the NFL.
His photos at his mother’s home still depict his kindness, sports acumen and winning trophies. With a lot of tears and no leads Mrs. Fields and her husband are seeking justice.
“Someone somewhere knows something. We have to fight for our kids,” she said. To honor his short-lived legacy, Fields and her team held the inaugural Rashaud Fields Sneaker Ball Gala inside Allusions Restaurant and Lounge on Soutel Rd. Hundreds of supporters were onsite to honor Rashaud’ life and celebrate his friendships and family ties. Mrs. Fields implored attendees to remember Rashaud Fields names as we do all the others.
“Not only in Jacksonville but in cities and countries around the world,” said Fields.
Mrs. Fields also had the opportunity to attend the Trayvon Martin Foundation’s Mothers’ Remembrance event where she attended workshops and heard dialogue that made her sit up and take notice of the issues she was facing. Trayvon Martins mother, Sybrina Fulton advised the mothers to “Step out on faith and turn your cries into purpose.” Those words resonated with Mrs. Fields and provided her and her family the courage to collaborate on the gala and bring mothers of slain children together for hugs and love. With hundreds of supporters in attendance, Mrs. Fields presented gifts to the mothers of slain children who were honored to be recognized, “I’m not in this by myself. Mothers in Duval are suffering and we held this event to provide purpose and love to let them know we are all connected with our children and the ability to make things right to seek justice. It may take a while to get justice; we just have to hold on and believe,” she smiled.
