CALL TO ACTION:
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
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.
NAACP National Headquarters
4805 Mt. Hope Drive
Baltimore MD 21215
Toll Free:
(877) NAACP-98
Local:
(410) 580-5777
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