"Free the Jena Six'' - Rally Brings Change

1. THE REVOLUTION WILL BE TELEVISE!!!

LISA at 7:47PM on Sep 20th 2007

2. WoW! Wh y could this story be covered on the general part of AOL News. They are ready to cover the nonsense of OJ and any bad new that may follow a Black man. But when there is INJUSTICE, the story is covered 9 months later away from the general AOL population. ...Let's say it again, RACISM: Alive and Well. Sickening.

danyelle at 7:49PM on Sep 20th 2007

3. Absolutely incredible! I am totally dumbfounded as to why Black people have sunk so low with regard to what we feel we must champion. I can't help but notice the hypocracy of all this so-called heart-felt emotion. It's as if the Black leadership has committed itself to chasing every media spotlight that gives it an opportunity to get up on a soapbox or draw attention to themselves or their particular agendas - whether right or wrong! I find this opportunistic behavior appauling and shameless.

What happened to the days when we as Black people held ourselves up to a much higher moral standard? Now, regardless of the situation, Black people are determined to rally around every tainted, suspect, and shameless act of immorality or lawbreaking that some unfortunately underprivaledged, uneducated, and uncarring young Black males can manage to get themselves into. I find it so mindblowing that young Black folk can call each other the N-word ad nauseum, refer to females in terms that totally overshadow the derrogatory remarks ever made by any white man, and then display the kind of unrealistic expectation that others don't necessarily see them in that same light. Which is the larger crime? How we feel about ourselves as Black people, or how other feel about us?

We Currently have leadership that doesn't seem to care about really putting this kind of thinking into perspective, nor do we have the kind of cohesive community that seems to know any better. We tend to still want to blame white people for all of our problems, and this is no different. How can we, in good conscious, condone 6 young Black boys that jumped on one young white boy? This is not only mob mentality, but it is the very kind of thing that symbolizes Black gangsta and gang mentality that plagues most Black communitities, the very kind of behavior that we are so appauled at. Were these guys so inadequate to take on a single white boy mano-e-mono, are did the gang mentality prevail? Maybe that's why the nooses where hung in the first place as a means of showing disapproval of their behavior. Were these guys sagging in there pants ridiculously and walking around acting like gangstas and thugs in a manner so distasteful that maybe even other black were sickened by it and welcomed the planting of the nooses.

As a middle aged Black male, I am so sickened by the use of the N-word by anybody, and especially by the young Black folks until it takes everything in me to reframe from being confrontational. It is quite clear to me that these young Black guys were not totally innocent of what happened to them. Maybe if there had been less thug and gang mentality displayed, and more earnest effort ot avoid this situation, just like during the civil rights era days, then maybe I could understand the justification for such pervasive and emotional display of a mass movement of demonstators. Otherwise, I see this only as a convenient vehicle for people with wildly different agendas to take advantage of a situation that should not have been afforded such media attention. Ironically, when Black folks have truly ligitimate concerns with racisism where are the troups? There are Blacks out here truly trying to live right and do the right thing but none of the so-called leaders or the rest of the calvary are ever available to come to their rescue. This is counterproductive and, quite frankly, dillutes the effectiveness of any civil rights response by Blacks.

douglas watts at 8:08PM on Sep 20th 2007

4. It is unforutnate that we are delving back into history instead of progressing. Clearly there is racial tension happening before, during and will happen after Jena 6 in Louisiana and everywhere for that matter. Why wasn't hanging the nooses considered a crime? When considering a hate crime charge you consider how it will make the other person feel as well as other things, but that is definitely a threat to someone. Whether its directed at someone or no one. Suspension is not enough, that should have even been defacing school property as well. There was a college in MD(?)a few weeks ago where a noose was found in a tree. A full investigation was held as well as the FBI getting involved. This is not a game and should not be taken lightly. And as far as the young men go I can't understand how they have attempted murder charges against a person who is released from the hospital the same day and attends a school function later that evening. I can see assault and battery but what they're facing to me is ridiculous. Because of this these men do need someone to speak out for them because this is an American Tragedy.

C Montague at 8:45PM on Sep 20th 2007

5. Question for Jackson/Sharpton? WHY NOT (anywhere near) recent media hype/solidarity in support of Ms Megan Williams and/or AGAINST Big Creek (W. Va.) White Six; compared to supporting OJ/Black Six at Jena, (N. La.)?

A. T. Morgan at 8:47PM on Sep 20th 2007

6. The Jena incident is only the tip of and iceberge which has languished in this country since the beginning of the black experience in America,(the problem of the twenth century will be the problem of race)quote of a famouse black fighter for freedom.Have those who have supposingly gotten over and are now living what is considered middle class become so comfortable in the false world of mortages and ive league schools for there kids,until they dont look at the black people in the streets seeking some relief from this legalized hell on earth in which each day consist of trying to survive How many of us who consider them selves a productive segement of society as we view hunger and poverty grow with leaps and bounds for the mass of our black brothers and sisters.Those of us who have jobs are living some days in stress ,because we know who can destroy everything we work hard to achieve,while we are asking for civil rights,we need human rights,not some legislated right ,which has to be renew every so often If i sound bitter its not that it just that i understand what they mean when they say it takes time for changes to occur,we have given time ,blood and our lives for the right to exist and today the same old system still lives only they have taken off the robes and put on a boss suit.

J WESTBERRY at 8:51PM on Sep 20th 2007

7. You are so right Mr Watts, how dare we condone six boys jumping on a white boy? Especially the same one who attacked another black boy and never punished. How dare those black people sit up under a tree dubbed 'the white tree' only to come back and see nooses hung from it? How dare we get upset when that same white boy was seen at a party the day AFTER his 'attempted murder', what is this world coming to?
How dare, the leaders we do have (whether we agree with things they have done and said in the past) come together for a PEACEFUL demonstration and fight for the injustices of OUR children? I surely didn't see any other 'leaders' up there. I am surely not a fan of Jesse or Al, but they made me proud THIS DAY! The radio hosts.. Michael Baisden, Steve Harvey, and Tom Joyner, did an AWESOME job getting the word out, and making sure that OUR culture/community remained informed.
But again how dare they?
I am still trying to decide the connection between a black male who wears sagging pants and a noose, Mr. Watts. I just don't see it. I suppose on those rare occasions when you remember where you came from and slip a little slang, it would be appropriate for your white counter part to make a noose out of a shoe string and send it to you, right? I mean, you did initiate that behavior right?
Would it have been better if the young men were Morehouse graduates or graduates of some other HBCU? Would you have come to their defense then? Or would you have told yourself that they probably did something to encourage that behavior?
I read and reread the story, and I would digress if I had thought that these young men provoked the incident, but they didn't... they felt violated, and they fought back.. HOW DARE THEY!?!?

IPRESS at 10:53PM on Sep 20th 2007

8. To Douglas Watts(No.3) if you're really a black man, then you are definitely a sell out, uncle tom ass pro-white kiss ass. First of all, these black children didn't bother anyone and even got permission to sit underneath a damn tree that was deemed for white kids. When they were threatened with the nooses, they had every right to confront those who threatened them. Those same white kids threatened those same black boys with a shotgun the previous day and it was wrestled away from them. Where's your outrage with that? When that white boy got confronted, his ho card got pulled and they whipped his ass. He threatened with his friends so where's your outrage with that? There's an injustice because when a man beats up his spouse or lover, he doesn't nearly half the time these boys were charged with and I've seen some women battered beyond recognition. I've seen people shot and the suspect didn't get nearly half the time these boys were charged with. Mind you that same white boy got his out of the hospital 3 hours later and went to a party. His injuries were apparently not that serious for those black boys to charged with attempted murder. Before you speak uncle tom learn your facts first. Its men like you who've become friends with whites and have turned your back on your own. Its black men like you who forgot where they come from and didn't give back to your community, thereby not allowing these same black boys to have a "real" black man to idolize. Black boys idolize criminals because unfortunately criminals give back to their community in a negative manner and thats all they see. While you're living in your suburban home, you're afraid to come to the hood because you're ashamed of your people. Therefore you talk about them with your white associates. Man, I wanted to talk about how we should turn this positive movement into our neighborhoods to combat criminal activity and strengthen our communities, but you done pissed me off...

blaqgod at 12:43AM on Sep 21st 2007

9. The fact that Al is leading this charge does great justice to public opinion about him. I often wonder why on a few of our leaders arrange, organize and move on injustices such as this one. Where is the Honorable Louis and the Nation. Lastly, Mr. Sharpton keep doing what you do and do it well. Dont allow black american to sleep on blatent racism and inequality. You lead this movement and we will all follow.

JAY at 2:23AM on Sep 21st 2007

10. mr. watts, with all do respect:

we can hold others accountable for their ill mistreatment of people within our community because it is the correct thing to do!

as a people do we have work to do on our communities? absolutely!!!

as a people should we adopt the following:
1) respect (of self, community, the law - God's & man's)
2) accountability (for one's actions, thoughts, and behaviors)
3) love (of self, of community, of God)

ABSOLUTELY!!!!

however expecting, requiring, desiring the above from our people collectively - does not, and should not absolve others of their unfair treatment of us...nor should we allow their careless disregard, and or their blatent direspect of us to persist.

further - NOT EVERYONE has subcome to the hip hop genre/ gansta rap mentality as you've described and suggested in your post. many of us are indeed law abiding blk folk who have a solid understanding of the blk (wo)man's existance in the u.s. before, during and following the enslavement of our people. many of us have worked hard in pursuit of our educational, and professional goals. more of us than not - abide by the laws of this great land. more of us than not - understand and appreciate the importance of self love, self respect, and the sharing of both with our fellow (wo)men.

so with the aforemention being said, i take issue with blacks who'll use blanket negative generalizations in their description/ discussion of blk folks just as much as i do when non blacks practice the very same thing.

final thoughts:
the reaction of the young men (jena 6) to the nooses hanging from that tree, is subjective! you cannot speak to their very own personal points of reference, and the trigger in emotions seeing those nooses inspired in each of them. likewise is it fair to speak to the very real and personal reactions, and emotions of others upon hearing the story.

i submit that just as the N word has the ability to enrage you...making you angry to a point of wanting to confront any and everyone that you hear using it - the visual imagery and symbolism of THOSE nooses hanging from THAT tree in THAT part of the country - clearly acted as a powerful catalyst for one, two, maybe all 6-of those young men.

should they have attempted to exercise more self restraint & control? should they have merely walked away, and reported the incident to school authorities? the answer is- sure to both!

bottom line, they are children/ preteens/ young men who are still growing & evolving(mentally, emotionally, and physically) self control if honed, and encouraged will eventually come. additionally is it not possible that past experiences have taught/shown them that voicing a complaint against their white counterparts - reporting racism to the powers-that-be, had proven to be fruitless in the past? keeping in mind THEIR personal points of references - not yours, and not mine, THEIRS?!?!? is this not a very real possibility?
navigating our way through life admist subliminal references to what america really thinks of my people is not always easy. however as an adult who received guidance and wise counsel during my matriculation in to womanhood i am far better equiped (as are you) to deal with "racial issues," as we are confronted with them. a child 15-16-17...not so much!

should their violent response to those racist teens be addressed - should they be held accountable, certainly! but does any of them really deserve to spend 20+ years in jail for their actions?
i think not!

Hotep2You at 5:38AM on Sep 21st 2007

11. PEOPLE STOP BELIEVING IN THE PROPAGANDA IN TV THAT SUPPORTS WHITE CORPORATE AMERICA AND READ!!

PUBLIC OFFICIALS INCLUDING THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SCHOOL THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY VIOLATED THE LAW AND LEFT YOUNG CHILDREN NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO SETTLE THEIR DISPUTES THE BEST WAY THEY COULD...

HERE'S THE BREAKDOWN OF THE STORY BEHIND JENA SIX WHICH HAS BEEN REPORTED IN SEVERAL "WRITTEN INDEPENDENT NEWS JOURNALS" AND NOT ON TV:

Consider these facts that were reported from Friends of Justice, Truthout.org and NPR amoung others that do not line their pockets based on advertising dollars and therefore are not told by their bosses to follow the script or be fired...

Summary of Facts:
• During an assembly, a black student asks if anyone could sit under the tree on school property that whites have claimed as their own.
• The school officials told him that anyone can sit under the tree -- as he should since it is public property that their parents pay for.
• A few of the black students sit under the tree
• The next day 3 loose nooses were hanging from the branches of the tree. This is a crime called harrasment - a non-verbal threat according to the Louisiana state law. (look it up)
• The black kids report this to the principal
• The principal tries to expell the white kids for threatening these kids as it is against the law
• The superintendent overrules and gives the white kids in-school suspension - slap on the wrist for whites - slap in the face for blacks -- why? -- whites actions dismissed as pulling a prank
• Now a group of blacks sit under the tree in protest - standing up for their rights - will not be intimidated by the hanging nooses
• Tension rises which leads to school being torched -- part of the main building was burned. -- blacks accused whites -- whites accuse blacks -- unsolved case today
• The District Attorney along with Police Officers address the students in an assembly. He threatens and intimidates the black students by saying "If you don't stop this mess, with the stroke of a pen I have the power to change your lives forever" (A direct violation of the law and his duties as a public official to serve in the best interest of the public -- HE SHOULD BE PROSECUTED - not the kids.)
• A few black football players invited to a party by whites were jumped by a gang of white kids when they entered the doors -- one of the black kids was beaten, kicked, and assaulted with a glass bottle (Wouldn't you say glass is a deadly weapon?)
• Some black kids were walking outside of a store when one of the white guys that attacked them came face to face with them and went back to his truck -- got a shot gun and aimed it at the black boys threatening their lives (Is this a violation of the law -- young black men walking peacefully)
• The black boys wrestled the guy, took the gun and walked away without retaliation -- The police arrested the black boys for battery and stolen property--their lives were threatened and they get arrested??? For what-- Defending themselves???
• A football player is approached in the hallway at school, teased and taunted about getting jumped by a gang of whites at the party. Someone from behind the white boy threw a punch and a fight broke out. A teacher/coach witnessed the incident and said that Mycal Bell (the black teen that is now in jail for over 10 months now) was NOT the aggressor in this fight. And, some students told police that someone else with a green shirt threw the punch.
• The District Attorney carries out his threats made in the assembly and ORIGINALLY charges 6 black boys as ADULTS with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon and the weapon is a TENNIS SHOE. For this they face a possible 100 years in prison. Is this justice? (compare rubber to glass -- which one is more deadly?)
• The District Attorney is in direct violation of the law. He addressed a school assembly with threats and intimidation and has gone on record stating that he said it. How bold is this this man? He's pounding his chest here! Shall we sit by and let this go on? THE WHITE KIDS GET IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION AS THE ONLY PUNISHMENT IN THIS CASE TO CONTINUE THEIR LIVES AND EDUCATION BUT OUR BLACK KIDS GO TO PRISON FOR A NOW POSSIBLE 22 YEARS??? ARE YOU WILLING TO ACCEPT THIS? IS ANYONE WILLING TO ACCEPT THIS??? IF SO, YOU ARE A DISGRACE!!!!!!!!!!
• TV news coverage on Sept 20, 2007 the day of the protest reports blacks ganging up on 1 white boy and approximately 60,000 protestors march on Jena. THAT IS THE STORY REPORTED. FCC SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO ALLOW THIS. Can you see how skewed the media is and why we must take our heads out of the sand? This story enrages both sides if you know the truth and/or are too blind to seek the truth. The images that the media presented ON SEPT 20, 2007 will give false impressions and outrage some that think that blacks are requesting the freedom for their own kind who appear to be unjust...the system is unjust because the people who run it are corrupt, think they are superior and above the law. If you are a child of God I urge you to get involved...education is key here...simply marching on Jena creates an image -- a photo op is what mainstream media says...they belittle every effort here. We must do what we can to educate out young. We can start by showing them that the District Attorney and all public officals unjustly involved should themselves be PROSECUTED AND PLACED IN JAIL AND SERVE THE TIME THAT THEY HAVE PROPOSED FOR THESE YOUNG CHILDREN THAT ARE LEARNING AND GROWING AND NEED DIRECTION. THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS CLEARLY HAVE NOT SET AN EXAMPLE OR GIVEN THEM ANY CHOICE BUT TO SLUG IT OUT ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS!!!!!
LETS GET RID OF THESE EVIL DOERS -- AND SET A PRECEDENCE OURSELVES!!!!

Did you know that when the truth rises up "Jena 6" will be a landmark case and if justice is not served there is potential for the public officials and law makers to set a precedence in law to erode our rights and especially our future generations rights in this land? This is an elaborate scheme and if we don't stand up our ancestors will have fought in vain!

Margaret Baker at 6:57AM on Sep 21st 2007

12. Let's breakdown the roots of the "Jena 6"? Somebody hung some nooses after some blacks sat under a special tree. A white student got beat nearly to death and a possibly racist judge threw the book at the kids who clearly beat up the victim in a 1 on 6 mob fight. Al Sharpton decided to play the race card highlighting the noose and the obvious heavy-handed reaction by the judge. How do you fix this mess? Didn't the town cut down the tree and didn't the attention force a review of the judge's decision? Stirring up all the racial emotion serves Sharpton's best interest not Americas. Yes, we are still racially biased, but it works both ways. Seperate but equal is unconstitutional. Seperate and unequal is causing this mess. How do we come together? How do we heal the wounds of slavery represented by the noose? How do we get past Sharpton? He has a monopoly giving him the exclusive use of the N-word, the B-word, and the H-word. That's no revolution, that's just stupid! The pain will never go away if Sharpton keeps picking the scab! He determines who is worthy and unworthy of justice. The "Jena 6" should have thought about the impact before it turned violent. We can't reward the violence or the ignorance in this case.

Cecil Jones at 7:32AM on Sep 21st 2007

13. Today, the march on Jena Louisiana to protest the six black students being excessively charged for the assault and or fight with a white student, over an incident involving three nooses being hung from a tree that previously only white students sat under, gets underway.
Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton are the headliners of the event that is expected to draw as many as 60 thousand protesters, activist, religious groups and individuals to this town with a reported population of roughly 3 thousand.

This event is expected to draw international attention due to its racially charged storyline so we thought we would take the side story that is laying on the periphery. Apparently Jesse Jackson has publicly admonished Barack Obama for not taking part in the occasion and lending his support stating “Mr. Obama is acting white.”



In the African American community, that charge is tantamount to calling him an Oreo (Black on the outside and White on the inside). This side story is worth giving some attention since many will wonder if Mr. Obama is running to be the first Black president or the first president who just happens to be Black. These two possibilities are hardly the same thing.



We dare say, if Rev. Jackson had his way Mr. Obama would be the latter, the first Black president, meaning his primary focus would and should be the interest of African Americans and people of color. But fortunately, Mr. Obama did not fall for that shortsighted, limited thinking and narrow view of his responsibility to the nation. Mr. Obama clearly recognizes the necessity of maintaining a broader perspective and the national and global need for his attentions.



Rev. Jackson as well as Rev. Sharpton is extremely capable of taking the lead on issues of this nature as they have proven themselves to be on countless occasions. Their work is grassroots, ground level and at times, down and dirty no doubt, but it is work they chose to do. Without question, they have paid their dues and as a result they have reaped their rewards. Both have had their opportunities to run for the presidency and both failed in their efforts.



Perhaps Mr. Obama has observed the limitations of being clever slick and witty like the Reverends Jackson and Sharpton are known to be and decided to take the smart and wise route to reaching his goals. It is the wise man that knows which battles to engage personally and which battles should be delegated to others for the appropriate response.



Beside the aforementioned, Mr. Obama is of mixed race and being forced to acknowledge one aspect of his history and not the other is an insult to the memory of the people that made him the man he is. Rev Jackson and Rev. Sharpton have given a tepid endorsement at best of Mr. Obama’s efforts and accomplishments thus far and we wonder how much of that is simply sour grapes.



While Black America respects and vividly remember the importance of the civil rights era and what it means to their very core, many of the thinkers within the ranks have moved on to the next level in the process.



In our opinion, Mr. Obama has bigger fish to fry as he prepares himself for finding ways to end the Iraq war, get the U. S. economy back on its feet, deliver heath care to forty million Americans getting by without it, focusing on millions of Americans losing their homes, heading off an impending recession, reestablishing America’s standing on the world stage, etc. You know, the things the next American president will be expected to do.



When you really get down to it, Jackson and Sharpton could be more helpful to Mr. Obama and black America by doing what they do best and leave the hardcore, big picture thinking to the man that does that best

Lee at 8:38AM on Sep 21st 2007

14. Harmless as a noose? HARMLESS AS A NOOSE? I can't even begin to believe that a so called black man would even form his mouth to say those words. I am just in awe at the level of ignorance of that statement.
It is bad enough that some people would want to keep us down, but the fact that Mr Watts, has that 'keep quiet and look away, and maybe it won't happen again' mentality makes me sick to my stomach.

I have taught my three girls to be strong, independent young ladies. I have taught them to be aware of their surroudings and to be careful of the company they keep and the friends they choose. I have taught them to be polite and respectful of others. I have taught them not to start fights, but if they felt they were in danger or if they felt threatened, then by all means protect themselves. My middle daughter, a few years back while living in SouthWest Texaso, was called the 'B' word one day, she was hurt she came home crying, and we went and spoke to the prinicple the next morning. A few days later, while she was on the playground, that same child cornered her and called her the 'B' word again, and said that she had a big mouth, and called her the 'N' word. She took the bat she had in her hand and she hit him a few times with it. Within the hour I was called to the school, and she was asked to apologize to the little boy in WOULD NOT apologize for defending herself.
I told the principal, that it was the little boy who owed my daughter the apology for making her feel like she had to defend herself against him.
I also told the parents of that boy, that today he called a young black girl the B word and the N word and the only thing that happened was that he was hit with a bat, later on in life, if they didn't stop him right now, he was going to say the wrong thing to the wrong person, and a bat was going to be the least of their worries.
The principal agreed and asked the parents to enroll their child in another school, and then she apologized to me and to my child.
Mr. Watts, I think you would have blamed me for my child's behavior.... and that saddens me. I weep for you, if you think that with everything a noose represents...hatred, ignorance, stupidity, arrogance, discontent...it is still harmless? Then what exactly are you teaching your children? I weep for them.

Ipress at 9:26AM on Sep 21st 2007

15. Anyone concerned about the tone this march is taking on?

From above article:
"Marchers on Thursday carried signs that said 'Praise Mychal Bell,' the only teen of the Jena Six who remains jailed."

A picture of this very sign: http://english.aljazeera.net/mritems/images/2007/9/20/1_229133_1_5.jpg

What has Mychal Bell done that deserves praise? Beat a man unconscious? Taking vengence? (if the man deserved it, as some here suggest) Is that praiseworthy? Are these the heroes of this movement?

James at 10:21AM on Sep 21st 2007