Black student clubs to petition against Jena Six injustices

[rebelAfrika]

Black student clubs to petition against Jena Six injustices

By Candace Anderson

Six black male students from Jena, La. decided to sit under a tree in the yard of their high school last September. Little did they know, such a decision would be the beginning of a series of events that would end up in court. Each boy could face up to 100 years.

Students at UM-St. Louis have joined up with students from across the country to speak out against what they feel is social injustice.

"ABC in junction with Black Greek Council have started petitions," said Donivan Foster, graduate assistant of higher education. "We are also raising money to help overturn the decision that has been made and to aid the families of the Jena Six," Foster said.

The day after the students sat under a "white only" tree, four nooses hung from the tree. The superintendent and other school administrators investigated and deemed the nooses as a prank.

The three white boys responsible for hanging the nooses received in-school suspension.

The black students were upset and gathered around the tree in a form of protest.

Substitute teacher Michelle Rogers recounted to the Seattle Post Intelligencer, "District attorney Reed Walter proceeded to tell those kids that 'I could end your lives with a stroke of my pen.'" However, the DA denied making such comment.

One among the six, Robert Bailey, 17, and a few others went to a party attended by mostly white students and was beaten.

The following day at the convenience store, Bailey exchanged words with a white boy, who proceeded to run to his truck and retrieve a pistol grip shotgun.

Bailey and his friends wrestled the gun away from the boy and fled the scene. Bailey was later charged with theft of a firearm, second-degree robbery and disturbing the peace.

The following Monday, Justin Barker, a white student at Jena High School, was heard to be gloating to friends about Bailey getting assaulted by a white man at a convenience store Friday night.

Barker was then attacked in the school's courtyard by a group of black students.

[Jahness]

Greetings rebelAfrika!

This is what being a revolutionary is all about. When we see something wrong being done to us or one of our
people we must speak out and protest until we are heard and stand our ground until justice is served.

Too many times we start and never finish or follow up. I am happy to see the youths making such a conscious
effort,to help right this wrong.

This article is what you would call the heart of the story behind the Jena six.

We all can learn a very vital lesson from this. We must never give up the fight.

Much appreciation to you for taking the time to share this important article.

Peace & Blessings of Afrikan Love Always!!