Thousands rally to support ‘Jena 6′

by SP on September 20th, 2007

Thousands of protesters gathered in Jena, Louisiana, Thursday to show support for the “Jena 6,” six black teens charged in the beating of a white classmate.

Tour buses were pulled over to the side of Louisiana Route 49 more than 20 miles from Jena as authorities in the town of 3,000 people controlled access to avoid gridlock.

In Jena, some parking lots were full by 8 a.m. ET.

Thursday was the day Mychal Bell expected to find out his punishment for his alleged role in the school beating.

“This is a march for justice. This is not a march against whites or against Jena,” said the Rev. Al Sharpton, a civil rights activist and one of the protest organizers.

Sharpton called Jena the beginning of the 21st century civil rights movement.

I was just watching this on TV this morning and I’m hoping that everything remains calm for the day. But the locals in this tiny Louisiana town are worried.

For more info…

Thousands March on Jena

It’s Still About Race in Jena

Beating Charges Split La. Town Along Racial Lines

Rocker Donates to Jena 6 Defense Fund

Rallies Begin