NAACP LEADS RALLY ON JENA – SEPTEMBER 20, 2007 Save the Date: Will you be there for justice?
December 31, 1969“This is an American outrage that
demonstrates the
continuing shame
of racial division in our country.
Join us in making it one of the last.”
~ NAACP Chairman Julian Bond
CALL TO ACTION:
- Support the Jena 6: Join the NAACP’s Rally on Jena on September 20. If you cannot attend the march, participate in the “Jena 6 National Week of Solidarity & Action” September 16-21.
- Sign the "Justice for Jena" petition: Join over 175,000 other individuals who have expressed their concern. The petition will be presented to Louisiana Gov. Kathleen B. Blanco by the NAACP on September 19.
- Donate to the NAACP: Make a donation to the NAACP for its Advocacy Activities for Equal Justice. Mail all checks to NAACP, 4805 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215.
- You may also donate to the families directly by contributing to the Jena 6 Defense Fund. Donate online or mail donations to: Jena 6 Defense Committee, P. O. Box 2798, Jena, LA 71342.
- Join the NAACP: Become a member of the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization and help make a difference.
- Advocate in your community: Mobilize your community and local government to have a voice and unite on equality within the United States criminal justice system.
- Send a letter to the Louisiana Governor and the Louisiana Attorney General: Urge your local officials to investigate this matter to ensure that these young men’s constitutional rights are safeguarded.
- Register to vote: Make your vote count.
- NAACP Press Release
- NY NAACP Press Release
UPDATE:
On Friday, Sept. 14 the Louisiana Third Court of Appeals reversed
the aggravated battery conviction of Mychal Bell, ruling that the
youth should not have been tried and convicted as an adult for his
alleged role in last year’s fight with a white high school student
in Jena, La. The NAACP believes this was appropriate and just.
On Sept. 17, NAACP officials presented a petition of more than
60,000 signatures to Louisiana Gov. Blanco at the State Capitol.
The thousands of online signatures were gathered via the NAACP
website. They are a symbol of those concerned with the unequal
treatment of the defendants and the pubic acknowledgement that the
hanging of the three nooses is a serious hate crime offense.
WHO:
Thousands expected expected to participate in a rally for
justice and equality in Jena, La.
WHY:
In support of the six Louisiana teens facing overly aggressive
prosecution and extended incarceration.
WHEN:
September 20,
2007
- 7:00 a.m. Assemble at Ward 10 Recreation Park
- 8:00 a.m. Rally begins
- 12:00 p.m. Rally ends
- 4:00 p.m. Public Town Hall
Meeting at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 701 Fourth Street,
Alexandria, LA
Focus: Restoring the Human Right to Education: Abolishing the School to Prison Pipeline - 7:00 p.m. Adjournment
WHERE:
March begins at:
Ward 10 Recreation Park
Jena, LA
Bus transportation:
Bus arrangements have been made to transport individuals from the
Alexandria Convention Center to Ward 10 Recreation Park. Parking is
strongly discouraged in Jena due to limited space in this small
town.
FOOD/ATTIRE:
All participants should bring
their own food, water, clothing and chairs. Please be prepared to
encounter rural outdoor conditions, such as dirt paths, and walk
considerable distances. It is strongly encouraged that individuals
dress comfortably and wear appropriate walking shoes.
CONTACTS:
NAACP Louisiana State
Conference
(225) 334-7490
NAACP National Headquarters
(888) 362-8683
Media Contact – NAACP National Headquarters
Richard J. McIntire
(410) 580-5787
BACKGROUND:
The NAACP wants justice and
equity for six Louisiana teens faced with overly aggressive
prosecution and extended incarceration for fighting with whites in
their community last December. The group has come to be known as
the “Jena 6” in reference to the small town where a series of
racial incidents escalated after three nooses were hung in a tree
at a local high school. The events lead to the arrest of the young
men—all being charged with serious criminal conduct offenses that
could lead to many years of imprisonment.
The six charged are: Robert Bailey Jr., 17, whose bail was set at $138,000; Theo Shaw, 17, whose bail totaled $130,000; Carwin Jones, 18, whose bail was $100,000; Bryant Purvis, 17, whose bail was $70,000; Mychal Bell, a 16 year-old high school sophomore was charged as an adult whose bail was set at $90,000; and a still unidentified minor.
Learn more about “Justice for Jena,” read The Facts and NAACP Key Messages.
