Jena Six: Finally Getting Attention
All I have to say is, it’s about time. The media is finally starting to put the spotlight on the Jena Six trials. While Anderson Cooper and CNN get the attention on a national level, I credit the blogging community for leading the charge. The first time I heard about it was from the Villager at the Electronic Village, Afrospear and Vanessa at vanessabyers.net. If you don’t know what’s going on, I’ve provided some links for you to check out. The Villager and Vanessa have put out some good information on the Jena Six and I don’t believe in re-inventing the wheel when it’s already well-designed.
Racism is still an issue and it only leads to trouble. While the young men were wrong in what they did, the problem I have is with the charges brought up against them. If the situation was reversed, would the same charges apply? The National Bar Association is looking to open their own investigation to make sure each of the young men are properly represented.
97.9 the Beat, a local Dallas radio show is getting ready to travel to Jena on Sept 20th to attend the rally. For those who can’t make it, they are asking you to donate to the Jena Six Defense Fund at www.colorofchange.org. Send what you can, no matter how small of an amount it is. Details for the rally are still being gathered and I will post them when I get them.
Please sign the online petition and read the following links for more information.
Going To Jena
Jena 6: Racism in America
Jena Cuts Down Noose Tree
The Jena Six: An American Tragedy and a Shameful Reality
Jena 6: An American Tragedy
Update: I also ask that you check out Jena Six Activism Getting Results. Black bloggers making a difference. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about.
September 5th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
TJ, I’m glad that more people are talking about this. It is a strong reminder that racial injustice is alive and it is fearless and that a “fair shake” is still not a guarantee for some in America.
September 5th, 2007 at 11:49 pm
I just signed the petition, Theo. Your first comments are proof of the growing leadership of the blogosphere in general and the Afrospere in particular in brigning about change. The general media including syndicated radio shows that typically lead the charge (Tom Joner Morning Show, Steve Harvey Show) have been trailing and playhing catch up weeks or months later. They are still relevant and neccesary of course but it’s been interesting observing the changing dynamic with social media now leading the charge.
September 6th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Theo,
Our efforts in recent weeks have been focused on getting the mainstream media engaged in the Jena 6 story. We think that it will take the power of the media to take the effort to the next level. Hopefully, there will be major coverage by everyone, including bloggers, of the 9/20/07 protest in Jena, LA. Anyhow, thanx for sharing the story with your readers!
peace, Villager
September 6th, 2007 at 8:16 am
The important thing about all of this is how this story has finally been brought to mainstream media. Whether we know all of the facts or not, its about time that people at least know about what’s going on. This should be a lead story instead of how bad a parent Brittany Spears is.
September 6th, 2007 at 10:38 am
Thanks for the comments. The media is so misguided when it comes to reporting the news and the wrong stories tend to make the front page. As I get more information, I’ll post it and I’ll be sure to post on the rally in Jena.
Villager, if you have anything else you want me to post or link to, let me know.