Local NAACP to take group to protest in La.
The Post and Courier
Dot Scott, president for the Charleston branch of the NAACP, said Friday that South Carolina has "still got some serious issues" when it comes to unfairness in the justice system.
If you go
WHAT: Charleston Branch NAACP 91st annual Freedom Fund Banquet, featuring guest speaker Hillary Clinton
WHEN: 7 p.m., Sept. 15
WHERE: North Charleston Convention Center
TICKETS: Call 805-8030 or 552-1111 for information or to buy tickets.
A racially charged case involving six black teens hundreds of miles away has struck home with the Charleston branch of the NAACP.
On Friday, when it announced who it will honor Sept. 15 at its annual Freedom Fund Banquet, the branch also said it plans to attend a national rally in Jena, La., to protest how the "Jena 6" were treated.
The "Jena 6" is a group of black high school students initially charged with attempted second-degree murder after a fight last December at school, according to news reports.
One white student was knocked unconscious after allegedly taunting blacks. The fight followed a dispute the previous September in which three white students hung nooses from a tree, which was cut down last month, to discourage blacks from sitting in its shade in the schoolyard.
The white students involved were briefly suspended for what the school superintendent called an "adolescent prank." Others called it a hate crime. The incident has caught the attention of civil rights leaders across the country.
The Rev. Joe Darby, vice president for the Charleston branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, could not recall any local instance identical to what happened in Jena, but he said it is not uncommon for justice to be unfairly dealt.
"Southern history reflects a preference along the lines of race," he said. "You see that in subtle ways today. It's not as much robed folks riding horses as it is folks ... who serve in legislatures and governing bodies."
Award winners
Trailblazer Award: Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., House Majority Whip
J. Arthur Brown Award: Marlon Kimpson, attorney with Law Firm of Motley Rice
Septima Poinsette Clark Award: Six Charleston County School District Class of 2007 valedictorians:
-- Chandni Bhaka of Charlestowne Academy
-- Sarah Christenberry of West Ashley High School
-- Kayla Monique Green of North Charleston High School
-- Tracy Piercey of R.B. Stall High School
-- Laura Tonks of Academic Magnet High School
-- Sharnice Renee Washington of Toole Military Magnet High School
NAACP Friend of Distinction Award: Linda Ketner
Special Recognition Award: Citadel Broadcasting Corp.
President & General Chairperson's Award: Janet Segal
Jena, a mostly white town of 3,000, has experienced months of racial tension. After the fight late last year, white students were charged with misdemeanors, or not at all, while blacks were charged with felonies.
Mychal Bell, 17, convicted by an all-white jury on aggravated second-degree battery, faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced Sept. 20, according to reports. A conspiracy conviction was dropped this week when a judge ruled that a June trial should have been conducted as a juvenile proceeding.
Dot Scott, president of the Charleston branch, said Friday that South Carolina has "still got some serious issues" when it comes to unfairness in the justice system. For example, she cited the case involving former state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, who pleaded guilty this week to a cocaine distribution charge.
"He hasn't spent a day in jail," Scott said. "(Mychal Bell) has been in jail for seven months, because there was a fight after school with no weapon or anything."
The Charleston branch has rented a bus and plans to take people to the rally, to be held outside the courthouse on the day Bell is sentenced, Scott said.
In the meantime, the branch prepares for its 91st annual Freedom Fund Banquet, the biggest fundraising opportunity of the year. Its keynote speaker will be Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
The NAACP, two years away from its centennial anniversary, will present its annual awards at a VIP ceremony held just before the banquet, Scott said. Members and supporters will celebrate the contributions of Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., local attorney Marlon Kimpson and six Charleston County valedictorians, among others.
Reach Adam Parker at 937-5902 or aparker@postandcourier.com. Reach Tenisha Waldo at 937-5744 or twaldo@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
Neponset (anonymous) says...
As a white guy, I realize that race relations is a sensitive topic and am hesitate to step into this minefield.
Lets hear it from black posters - how do you feel about what the NAACP is doing and are there things that they are not doing, but should be doing.
September 8, 2007 at 7:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
tripsa
Rather well said.
September 8, 2007 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
No one should go to jail for drugs. Drug laws are as stupid and counterproductive as Alabama's dildo law. Possession of a dildo shouldn't be illegal, using it on me without my permission should be. Drugs shouldn't be illegal, stealing, injuring, swindling to support your habit should be.
September 8, 2007 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
I think we are getting a little off track. The issue is the NAACP and what they are doing and what they should be doing. Unfortunately none of our black posters have weighed in on this topic - it is unfortunate.
This drug is bad from the health standpoint - we have all hear about the health issues of meth. Cocaine seems to be a harmless drug, but it is not harmless and can lead to serious problems and that is why it was outlawed many years ago.
September 8, 2007 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hotrod2007 (anonymous) says...
Linda Ketner -- NAACP Friend of Distinction Award. She must have made a sizable donation ($100).
September 8, 2007 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southerngirl (anonymous) says...
Actually, the correct grammar would be "South Carolina still has some serious issues"
And this is one of the VERY few times the NAACP is supporting something worthwhile and not just arguing for the sake of arguing.
September 8, 2007 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Reader (anonymous) says...
Southerngirl -
The original version is correct grammar. When used in the present perfect form, the verb "GET" is used to express the present tense of having something. This is correct, non-slang English according to my desk dictionary.
In your "correction," you are rewriting the sentence using a completely different verb. While your version is also corrent, there is nothing remotely wrong with using "GET" as the verb. For example, as the old song goes, "I've got rhythym;" Gershwin did not have to write, "I have rythym." Or, as the ad slogan says, "Got milk?" You wouldn't force someone to say "Have milk?"
Regardless, I don't normally support much of the NAACP, and I disagree with many of the sideline comments by the people in this article bringing in other cases. But, the one case in Louisiana does seem to be a case of unequal justice. Perhaps this is a case of the broken clock being right twice a day, but I think that the NAACP is correct on this one.
September 8, 2007 at 12:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iblong2her (anonymous) says...
NancyN-
You care to fill in that ______ because from where I sit it COULD be filled in with lots of adjectives. I don't want to assume, you know, that you are a racist or anything like that.
September 8, 2007 at 12:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
skeeter (anonymous) says...
I got me that "Hooked on Ebonics". E work good too!
September 8, 2007 at 2:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
Posted by Neponset on September 8, 2007 at 7:15 a.m.
As a white guy, I realize that race relations is a sensitive topic and am hesitate to step into this minefield.
Lets hear it from black posters - how do you feel about what the NAACP is doing and are there things that they are not doing, but should be doing.
well neponset to answer your question:
i myself prefer to not engage in these matters,why because they are irrevelate to me.the race issue is what im saying is irrevelate.i consider myself to be of the human race dont really need to specify my ethnicity it is evident when you look at me.
i general dont agree with what the NACCP does but in this matter i do so wholeheartly.it is a shame that the world we live in today still harbor those emotions.im thankful for the way i was brought up to love everyone for who they are not the content of their being.
granted their are those that we will come across who emphactically hate just on ethnic background alone.
im appalled at one poster to suggest that because you are afro-amer that you are on one accord with the NAACP.that is like saying that all caucasion people support the KKK, and let me assure you that is not true .i have friends in every nationality you could dream of. i can only speak for myself but let me say this that the majority of afro-amer. do not support the NAACP on all issues.i do hope this will suffice for you neponset.
thank you all for your time.
p.s.excuse the typos.
September 8, 2007 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
Posted by NancyN on September 8, 2007 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
dot scot is just another racist, uneducated, stupid ________getting interviewed by the paper.
oh my word...im going to assume for the benefit of doubt that you were thinking____________ woman,nut case,jerk the words are endless in this quest.
September 8, 2007 at 3:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
beemz
Thank you for your remarks - I would be the last one to judge your grammer and spelling.
September 8, 2007 at 4:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
Well, if I understand this correctly, a black student knocked a white student unconscious after being verbally taunted by the white student. That's battery - weapon or no weapon. He should do jail time - this crime had a victim. So now Dot Scott thinks that's unfair? WAAAA. Reverse the races here and she'd want the white kid thrown under the jail. She sees an opportunity to further incite racial tensions, which is what the NAACP seems to be best at anyway. She is a disgrace to people of every race.
No, the white kids shouldn't have hung the nooses, that was TERRIBLE as well as insensitive and stupid. The school punished them, which was the right thing to do. But to equate this type of victimless act with physical violence such as fighting where tangible injury is suffered shows an appalling lack of intelligence. Where is the outrage over the assault? That's the real crime here!
Lastly, this is somewhat off topic but needs to be said: Many posters, I assume due to a lack of information, seem to believe that Thomas Ravenel is avoiding jail time solely because he is white and wealthy. Whether you agree with this or not, the fact is that many people of far less means, white and otherwise, convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and other illegal drugs don't serve time in jail. They are offered deals to lead the authorities to the traffickers as a matter of course. Also considered when determining punishment is prior record.
September 8, 2007 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
Moomoo,
There is more to the Jena Six story than the nooses and a white student being hit. You should research it some more. This situation extended out of school as well.
On the subject of Ravenel, we do not need to give him any excuses. The amount they held in their possession also usually determines sentencing. I can't remember the exact number but it was darn well a huge amount. You can't tell me that a normal person (black or white) would receive no jail term for possessing that much cocaine. That is just being naive. Heavens forbid if it were crack!
September 8, 2007 at 5:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
PS
South Carolina has so many other things to worry about other than what Dot Scott or the NAACP is doing. If you think they are the devil, well good for you but with every stupid case they support there is one legitimate case. If we were as concerned with education as we are about Dot Scott and the NAACP, I wouldn't have to defend us to everyone when they ask why my state let an idiot represent SC at the Teen Miss America pageant. Do better.
September 8, 2007 at 5:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
Sticks and stones......
September 8, 2007 at 5:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
burton (anonymous) says...
The NAACP was started by whites and blacks in 1909 and has done some wonderful things in its heyday like fighting Jim Crow laws and was instrumental in ending segregation. I worked with the NAACP for a number of years when I returned to SC but they have strayed off track and I will not return until they get their house in order. I have to give them credit though for the hard work they did during the 50's and 60's to fight discrimination against African Americans.
The Jenna 6 situation shows that there are two justice systems in America. I'm the last one to pull the race card but in this case I think it is obvious what is going on. The NAACP usually supports an African American in trouble just because they are an African American and this is where I disagree with them. Everyone has to be held responsible for their own actions. What the black kids in Jenna did was wrong but the punishment does not fit the crime? If they were white, I would say the same thing. I support the NAACP on this one and I wish I could make the bus ride but duty calls.
September 8, 2007 at 5:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Test2007
I don't know whether he was caught with 100g. or that is the estimated purchase over the last two year, but 100g. is a lot - my understanding is that 35 to 100 mg is a normal dose (line), so do the math and you get 1000 to 2850 doses. Note: my metric system knowledge is a little weak - I assume 35mg = .035g. and 100mg = .1g.
September 8, 2007 at 5:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
Test,
Tell me where there is more info on Jena 6, I'll be glad to look at it. But, you'll never convince me that verbal taunts of any kind equate with physical violence and resulting injury - all the race stuff notwithstanding. By the way, the kid was not just hit, he was knocked unconscious. Significant bodily harm was done. And I stand by my assessment of Dot Scott and others of her ilk. (and, just to be very clear, I mean way of thinking, not race)
As far as Ravenel is concerned: he would be in a lot more trouble if he were facing a trafficking charge - which is far more serious than the charge he plead guilty to - possession with intent to distribute. I know folks who have received probation for possesion with intent to distribute. What I described in my last post does happen as I have seen and according to my friends in law enforcement.
September 8, 2007 at 5:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
Well said, Burton. The NAACP has devolved considerably in recent years. It's a shame for everyone, especially those they purport to advance.
And Test, with regard to education we need school choice which includes private schools. And you're right about Miss Teen SC - what an embarrasment. I heard she is not originally from SC, but don't know if that's true and if so, how long she has been here.
September 8, 2007 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
preachlove (anonymous) says...
First of all, for all of you who think all blacks agree with the NAACP, here's your wake up call. All blacks do not agree with the NAACP. I for one, have not joined the NAACP because I don't agree with its leaders or some of the causes it pursues. I personnally think each community based chapter should focus on the issues facing that particular community, i.e., education, job training, crime, etc. I feel in this day and age, the NAACP should change its name and focus on helping all people who are being treated unfairly. I believe they would receive a lot more support. Just as there are blacks in the system who are treated unfairly, there are others of other races being treated unfairly as well.
Now, for the matter at hand. These young men are being treated unfairly. Only the blacks are being charged with felonies; they were all fighting. And one young man is facing 15 years. To all of you who think hanging a noose is a harmless prank, tell that to the man I went to school with, whose father was hung on one and killed!
Lastly, I know some of you, no matter what, just to stokes the fire of hatred, will still find fault with what I have said, but that's expected. However, I like this forum, because it gives posters the chance to educate others who need it. I believe the only way SC will progress is through communication and this forum helps.
September 8, 2007 at 6:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
preachlove..well said i dont know if you read my post.
i am of african descent sprinkled with italian.i embrace both sides of my heritage.and i too like this forum i think it is wonderful.
September 8, 2007 at 7 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
P.E.T.T
September 8, 2007 at 7:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
Test,
I just read a more detailed article on this story which included other incidents that I believe you were referring to, such as: (1.)a white youth beating up a black who came to an all white party and was charged with simple battery, (2.)a white kid who pulled a shotgun on some black kids at a convenience store and was charged with nothing while the black kids who attempted to wrest the weapon away from him in self defense were charged with (battery, I think?) The article also said that (3) the six kids who beat and kicked the white kid at school targeted him specifically because he was friends with the three that hung the nooses. Finally,(5) a parent of one of the black defendants calls the noose hanging a "hate crime." Upon learning of these additional facts, I offer the following:
The noose hanging, while despicable and worthy of punishment, is not a crime in that no one was hurt.
The white kid who beat up the black kid deserved to be charged with simple battery - perhaps should have received a greater charge, the article did not tell me enough for me
to be sure. Was he threatened, for example? Was there premeditation?
I think the greater charge for the group attack is appropriate due to its premeditation. Reverse the races and I'd say the same thing. We have to send a message to all youth that violence is NOT acceptable. Better still, I'd like to know why no one is declaring this - or the white kid beating up the black kid - as hate crimes.
As for the white kid who pulled a shotgun on the black kids - clearly there should have been a charge here for the white kid too, and it does sound like discrimination on the black kids on this one.
And finally, back to the NAACP: My beef with their involvment is that they are more worried about what they perceive as an unfair sentence than they are about the acts of violence that occurred. I have yet to hear any of them talk about what the punishment should be for any and all of the violence inciters - black or white. I get the feeling that they think the violence initiated by the blacks was justified.
September 8, 2007 at 7:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
Preach, I agree wholeheartedly with your first paragraph about the NAACP. You hit the target dead on. Great post.
September 8, 2007 at 7:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
How about a new focus and new name NAFTAOARBC (Nat. Assoc. for the advancement of at risk black childern).
Focus could include:
Mentor programs and safe after school havens for children. Also they could work on ensuring that these children actually attend school.
September 8, 2007 at 7:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
neponset... a very good idea.
are you on council ?
im sure they would run away with that.
once again an excellent idea.
September 8, 2007 at 7:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
P.E.T.T.
September 8, 2007 at 7:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
beemz
Thanks, no, what is P.E.T.T.
September 8, 2007 at 7:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
Beemz what does PETT stand for?
September 8, 2007 at 7:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
How about NAAAP (additional 'A' being All)
September 8, 2007 at 7:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
For all of you, this is the story. Why is it th at everytime someone stand up for a cause th at involves Afro-Americans/Blacks, You all have something Negative to say. THis country, whether you believe it or not, was built on Slave Labor. Go read your history books! So be thankful. Blacks/Afro-Americans are the people without a country. If anyone from any other country were mistreated in America, they go to their country's Embassy for intervention and help to make sure they were treated fairly and justly. Just look at the two Egyptians who were caught in Berkeley County.
Now, where can Afro-Americans/Black go or turn to for fair treatment? What Embassy? From what I see on most of these postings, they can't turn to Americans. So don't knock it when they have people to stand up and fight for th em. It's a shame that sooo many Black or Afro-Americans have died in all of the wars for the very same people who don't want to give them the justice and equality that belongs to them. They are the people without a country. People from every nation call America home and are treated better and more fairly than the peoplw who built this country on Slave Labor. How many of other nations that are in America have died for this country? They all enjoy the fruitage of being in America,being given equal rights, equality and justice and dares America to put them out or treat them badly, because their country will come to their aid, to the point of going to war for their cause or treatment.
September 8, 2007 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
neponset...moomoo...i answer you in the previous story.it is my abbreviation for P.E.T.T. = please excuse the typos.
maybe you to can return a favor what is IMHO?
September 8, 2007 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stephaniem (anonymous) says...
moomoo, I disagree with you on the noose
If someone put a burning cross on thier lawn, it would be the same thing
also, women of domestic violence often just have an abusive man cut their eyes at them to keep them in line after a severe beating....
it is the intent behind the noose that is the hate crime as it is a threat to kill someone whose anscestors were killed in that fashion.
if my mom was killed by the nazis, I would have a problem with nazi symbols being spray painted on my lawn or my car.
at my high school, blacks hung out in one area and whites hung out in a different area as the whites would jump the blacks if they tried to stand for a second in certain areas of the school during lunch.
September 8, 2007 at 8:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
In my humble opinion
September 8, 2007 at 8:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
Just2me:
Well, Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!
September 8, 2007 at 8:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
thx neponset.
September 8, 2007 at 8:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluebird (anonymous) says...
Shoot...let's put this town on the map....Somebody call Oprah!!!
September 8, 2007 at 8:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
This is the Story:
Last fall in Jena, the day after two Black high school students sat beneath the "white tree" on their campus, nooses were hung from the
tree. When the superintendent dismissed the nooses as a "prank," more Black students sat under the tree in protest. The District Attorney then
came to the school accompanied by the town's police and demanded that the students end their protest, telling them, "I can be your best friend
or your worst enemy...I can take away your lives with a stroke of my pen."
A series of white-on-black incidents of violence followed, and the DA did nothing. But when a white student was beaten up in a schoolyard fight, the DA responded by charging six black students with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
"their place." But it's happening today. The families of these young men are fighting back, but the story has gotten minimal press. The noose-hanging incident and the DA's visit to the school set the stage for everything that followed. Racial tension escalated over the
next couple of months, and on November 30, the main academic building of Jena High School was burned down in an unsolved fire. Later the same
weekend, a black student was beaten up by white students at a party. The next day, black students at a convenience store were threatened by a
young white man with a shotgun. They wrestled the gun from him and ran away. While no charges were filed against the white man, the students were later arrested for the theft of the gun.
That Monday at school, a white student, who had been a vocal supporter of the students who hung the nooses, taunted the black student who was beaten up at the off-campus party and allegedly called several black students "n****r." After lunch, he was knocked down, punched and kicked by black students.
He was taken to the hospital, but was released and was well enough to go to a social event that evening.
Six Black Jena High students, Robert Bailey (17), Theo Shaw (17), Carwin Jones (18), Bryant Purvis (17), Mychal Bell (16) and an unidentified
minor, were expelled from school, arrested and charged with second-degree attempted murder. The first trial ended last month, and
Mychal Bell, who has been in prison since December, was convicted of aggravated battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery (both
felonies) by an all-white jury in a trial where his public defender called no witnesses. During his trial, Mychal's parents were ordered not
to speak to the media and the court prohibited protests from taking place near the courtroom or where the judge could see them.
Mychal is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31st, and could go to jail for 22 years. Theo Shaw's trial is next. He will finally make bail this week.
September 8, 2007 at 8:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
Stephanie M of course the noose was despicable, but it does not equate with violence. Nor does it justify it. That was my point. Now, if a group of white students had tried to place a black student in the noose - THAT would be a hate crime.
And you are right about the historical significance of certain symbols. I too am offended - but not necessarily threatened - by the ones you described.
September 8, 2007 at 8:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
Excuse the double post on the previous post, had to blank out the "N" word and recopied:
Last fall in Jena, the day after two Black high school students sat beneath the "white tree" on their campus, nooses were hung from the
tree. When the superintendent dismissed the nooses as a "prank," more Black students sat under the tree in protest. The District Attorney then
came to the school accompanied by the town's police and demanded that the students end their protest, telling them, "I can be your best friend
or your worst enemy...I can take away your lives with a stroke of my pen."
A series of white-on-black incidents of violence followed, and the DA did nothing. But when a white student was beaten up in a schoolyard
fight, the DA responded by charging six black students with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The families of these young men are fighting back, but the story has gotten minimal press. It starts now. The noose-hanging incident and the DA's visit to the school set the stage for everything that followed. Racial tension escalated over the
next couple of months, and on November 30, the main academic building of Jena High School was burned down in an unsolved fire. Later the same
weekend, a black student was beaten up by white students at a party. The next day, black students at a convenience store were threatened by a
young white man with a shotgun. They wrestled the gun from him and ran away. While no charges were filed against the white man, the students were later arrested for the theft of the gun.
That Monday at school, a white student, who had been a vocal supporter of the students who hung the nooses, taunted the black student who was beaten up at the off-campus party and allegedly called several black students "n****r." After lunch, he was knocked down, punched and kicked by black students.
He was taken to the hospital, but was released and was well enough to go to a social event that evening.
Six Black Jena High students, Robert Bailey (17), Theo Shaw (17), Carwin Jones (18), Bryant Purvis (17), Mychal Bell (16) and an unidentified
minor, were expelled from school, arrested and charged with second-degree attempted murder. The first trial ended last month, and
Mychal Bell, who has been in prison since December, was convicted of aggravated battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated battery (both
felonies) by an all-white jury in a trial where his public defender called no witnesses. During his trial, Mychal's parents were ordered not
to speak to the media and the court prohibited protests from taking place near the courtroom or where the judge could see them.
Mychal is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31st, and could go to jail for 22 years. Theo Shaw's trial is next. He will finally make bail this
week.
The Jena Six are lucky to have parents and loved ones who are fighting tooth and nail to free them. They have been threatened but they are
standing strong.
September 8, 2007 at 8:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluebird (anonymous) says...
justme2...thanks for the in depth research! The year is 2007 but we act like it's 1961. I thought for a moment I was reading a History story from the Civil Rights Era like the Lunch Counter Sit-Ins.
September 8, 2007 at 8:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
beemz
I don't have the links handy, but I have visited sites that define internet acronyms and slang - do a search. When you find one check out "troll", which may apply to some posters on some P&C boards.
September 8, 2007 at 8:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
JUST2Me, what was your source for this version of the story? What I summarized in an earlier post was from the Chicago Tribune. Yours seems suspiciously editorialized.
September 8, 2007 at 8:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
Neponset,
I'm a little unclear on the exact definition of a troll. Is that someone who seeks only to inflame and incite and insult?
September 8, 2007 at 8:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
MooMoo
Yes and more
September 8, 2007 at 8:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
I sure would like to read an accurate account of that story. It sounds like something out of a book I read called Walking Through the Fire. That town sounds like they haven't moved past the 60's at all.
September 8, 2007 at 8:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluebird (anonymous) says...
hawneena....I agree...could someone post a link to that story. I think it would do all of us some good to read this story fact not fiction.
September 8, 2007 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
preachlove (anonymous) says...
Neponset wrote: "How about a new focus and new name NAFTAOARBC (Nat. Assoc. for the advancement of at risk black childern)."
Neponset: Are only black children at risk? Let's take drugs for instance; it knows no race; it puts all that use it at its mercy. They are a lot of white kids doing drugs. When I did legal work for Charleston County, I remember they were at risk kids from all races - wealthy families, poor families and middle class families. I have to be honest however, the majority of these kids were from poor black families. Why not call it: National Association for the Advancement of All People.
September 8, 2007 at 8:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
I have been following this story since it came to the public's eyes a while back, MooMoo, but google Jena Louisiana and you will see quite a few newspapers with this story. It was also on CNN news. All you have to do is watch the news.
September 8, 2007 at 8:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
Way to go preachlove. I did not want to respond to neponset. I try not to respond to ignorant posts or posters. that's why I only respond to a few.
Why would a Story be made up like that. Jena is a small town of about 3000. I don't think they even have th eir own newspaper. How would you know what is accurate or not, bluebird or haweena. The only 100% accurate information is that a young man is in jail facing 22years for fighting with sneakers. This young man was a star student and was kept out of school for a school term and a half. His education was interrupted and you would be the first tio say that he is ignorant or stupid, or a low life.
September 8, 2007 at 8:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
preachlove
No, but the subject at hand is NAACP and black people.
September 8, 2007 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
Hey Preach that's what I said: NAAAP !
Here is a website address for those of you wanting a more detauled account:
news.netscape.com/story/2007/08/02/mainstream-media-starts-to-catch-up-on-jena-why-so-slow
Then when you get to the page this directs you to, click on view story whixh will take you an articlefrom The Chicago Tribune in May by Howard Witt.
September 8, 2007 at 8:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluebird (anonymous) says...
Calm down justme2....I only said I wanted a link to the story to read it for myself 2. I just came off CNN.com and read the whole story for myself(Search -Jena High School). Football players were involved also from what I read(protesting peacefully).
September 8, 2007 at 9:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justme2 (anonymous) says...
Sorry Bluebird, I apologize, if I came off the wrong way to you. I am trying to be civil. Some of these posts are ridiculous and cruel.
September 8, 2007 at 9:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bluebird (anonymous) says...
Apology accepted! Thick skin! That's what my grandma always said, "Boy, You gotta have thick skin to deal with those people!"
September 8, 2007 at 9:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beemz (anonymous) says...
neponset..will do, if i find out what troll means,i will let you know .im sure the finding will not be nice. the troll dolls years ago were horrible looking lil creatures.my nieces and nephews were deftly afraid of them.i know i strayed away from the subject,i just felt compel to write that.
imho
September 8, 2007 at 9:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
Wouldn't most of you agree that putting nooses in a tree would be about as bad as putting a swastika on a Jewish synogogue?
The idea of a white's only tree? Sounds like the water fountain stuff from years ago. These people in Jena sound like a bunch of backwoods morons.
I'm not saying that you should retaliate physically over words, but it sounds like this has been an ongoing thing for quite awhile. I am actually starting to feel like our local justice system is not so bad after all. These people sound like a bunch of yahoos.
September 8, 2007 at 10:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawneena (anonymous) says...
I remember when we were kids they called trolls "Damnit Dolls". Don't know where that came from, but I just remembered that.
September 8, 2007 at 10:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MooMoo (anonymous) says...
Yes putting nooses in trees the way those kids did to make a point is completely despicable, as is having any "whites only" area. What century are these morons living in?
September 8, 2007 at 10:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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