FBI Is Looking Into Anti-Jena 6 Web Page
NEW ORLEANS — The FBI is reviewing a white supremacist Web site that purports to list the addresses of five of the six black teenagers accused of beating a white student in Jena and "essentially called for their lynching," an agency spokeswoman said Saturday.
Sheila Thorne, an agent in the FBI's New Orleans office, said authorities were reviewing whether the site breaks any federal laws. She said the FBI had "gathered intelligence on the matter," but declined to further explain how the agency got involved.
CNN first reported Friday about the Web site, which features a swastika, frequent use of racial slurs, a mailing address in Roanoke, Va., and phone numbers purportedly for some of the teens' families "in case anyone wants to deliver justice." That page is dated Thursday.
The Rev. Al Sharpton said in a statement Saturday that some of the families have received "almost around the clock calls of threats and harassment," and called on Gov. Kathleen Blanco to intervene.
A Blanco spokeswoman said the governor had asked law enforcement — primarily state police — to investigate.
"These people need more than an investigation. They need protection," the Rev. Jesse Jackson said. He said his organization would be in touch with President Bush's nominee for attorney general, Michael Mukasey.
William A. "Bill" White, listed as the Web site's editor and commander of the American National Socialist Workers Party, did not immediately answer an e-mail to his address. Calls to one of the two William Whites listed in Roanoke were not answered; the other said he was not involved with the site.
Blanco said Saturday that harassing families involved in the case "cannot and will not be tolerated."
"Public attacks on private citizens done out of ignorance and hatred is appalling, and anyone who stoops to such unspeakable persecution will be investigated and subject to the full penalty of law," she said in a statement.
Jena 6 Race Factor
Jena 6 Videos
Showing posts with label jena six facts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jena six facts. Show all posts
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Jena Six Personal Information Published On The Web
BATON ROUGE – The latest news on the Jena 6 trial- Apparently, according to Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, there are national reports of hate groups publishing private contact information for family members of the Jena Six. Reportedly, this information is on the Internet
Governor Blanco in response issued this statement: "Harassing families involved in the legal issues in Jena can not and will not be tolerated. Public attacks on private citizens done out of ignorance and hatred is appalling, and anyone who stoops to such unspeakable persecution will be investigated and subject to the full penalty of law. I have asked law enforcement agencies to investigate this matter, and as Governor I will do everything in my power to put a stop to these cowardly threats to Louisiana citizens."
Also, according to various news stories, bail which had been set for $90,000 for one of the black individuals who battered a white and whose conviction was overturned last Friday, has been denied by the Court. Because the matter is in juvenile details are uncertain if no bond was set or if there was a refusal to allow a bond or if there was a refusal to allow the payment of the prior bond.
Also, a white male hailing from Colorado has been arrested in Alexandria Louisiana for various charges. The male reportedly had a noose in his possession. There are also reports that he has family associations with the KKK.
Governor Blanco in response issued this statement: "Harassing families involved in the legal issues in Jena can not and will not be tolerated. Public attacks on private citizens done out of ignorance and hatred is appalling, and anyone who stoops to such unspeakable persecution will be investigated and subject to the full penalty of law. I have asked law enforcement agencies to investigate this matter, and as Governor I will do everything in my power to put a stop to these cowardly threats to Louisiana citizens."
Also, according to various news stories, bail which had been set for $90,000 for one of the black individuals who battered a white and whose conviction was overturned last Friday, has been denied by the Court. Because the matter is in juvenile details are uncertain if no bond was set or if there was a refusal to allow a bond or if there was a refusal to allow the payment of the prior bond.
Also, a white male hailing from Colorado has been arrested in Alexandria Louisiana for various charges. The male reportedly had a noose in his possession. There are also reports that he has family associations with the KKK.
Earn $6000 Per Month Start Right Now
--------- EARN $36,000-$72,000/YEAR! --------- NO SELLING! --------- NO COMPUTER EXPERIENCE! --------- START TODAY ONLINE! ---------
Finally, an EXTRAORDINARY way to earn money from your HOME Computer! For more info, please visit... http://www.applepatchdiet.net/index.html
Since 2005, hundreds of PREVIOUS CareerBuilder Job-Seekers Nationwide are making up to $200/Day - $6000/Month - with our work at home Apple Patch Diet Internet Opportunity.
We are a proud member of the U.S. Chamber Of Commerce and a registered Corporation with the State of Ohio.
NO Selling Is Involved!
NO Computer Experience Required!
NO Telephone Calls To Make!
NO Answering Emails!
NO Prospecting or Cold Calling! Introducing a NEW home based Internet Opportunity like nothing you've ever seen before online! We do the selling for Y-O-U over the Internet! Then mail you the CHECK/CASH up to a whopping $6000 Every Month!
All you need to get started is access to a computer that has an internet connection... that's it!
For more details about our RISK-FREE Apple Patch Diet Internet Opportunity, please visit our website at... http://www.applepatchdiet.net/index.html
Requirements
This is an INCREDIBLE New Internet Marketing System that is putting money in people's pockets everyday... Check it out today -- You Have Nothing To Lose!
Our RISK-FREE work from home Internet Opportunity is one of the Hottest Home Based Money-Making Programs on CareerBuilder since 2005.
For more details about our RISK-FREE Apple Patch Diet Internet Opportunity, please visit our website at... http://www.applepatchdiet.net/index.html
People from all backgrounds seeking part time or full-time opportunities in the following areas are encouraged to inquire about our money making Apple Patch Diet program: Apply Today
Finally, an EXTRAORDINARY way to earn money from your HOME Computer! For more info, please visit... http://www.applepatchdiet.net/index.html
Since 2005, hundreds of PREVIOUS CareerBuilder Job-Seekers Nationwide are making up to $200/Day - $6000/Month - with our work at home Apple Patch Diet Internet Opportunity.
We are a proud member of the U.S. Chamber Of Commerce and a registered Corporation with the State of Ohio.
NO Selling Is Involved!
NO Computer Experience Required!
NO Telephone Calls To Make!
NO Answering Emails!
NO Prospecting or Cold Calling! Introducing a NEW home based Internet Opportunity like nothing you've ever seen before online! We do the selling for Y-O-U over the Internet! Then mail you the CHECK/CASH up to a whopping $6000 Every Month!
All you need to get started is access to a computer that has an internet connection... that's it!
For more details about our RISK-FREE Apple Patch Diet Internet Opportunity, please visit our website at... http://www.applepatchdiet.net/index.html
Requirements
This is an INCREDIBLE New Internet Marketing System that is putting money in people's pockets everyday... Check it out today -- You Have Nothing To Lose!
Our RISK-FREE work from home Internet Opportunity is one of the Hottest Home Based Money-Making Programs on CareerBuilder since 2005.
For more details about our RISK-FREE Apple Patch Diet Internet Opportunity, please visit our website at... http://www.applepatchdiet.net/index.html
People from all backgrounds seeking part time or full-time opportunities in the following areas are encouraged to inquire about our money making Apple Patch Diet program: Apply Today
Friday, September 21, 2007
Infamous Live Oak tree At Jena High School To End Up On eBay
Calvin Hardy leaned against the bed of his maroon Toyota pickup truck, perspiration beading on his freckled brow, and smiled broadly at what he called "a piece of history."
Mr. Hardy chainsawed down the infamous live oak tree at Jena High School this summer. That was the gathering place for white students, under which black students sat in August 2006. Nooses were on the tree the next day, and tensions escalated, resulting in the December attack.
Mr. Hardy pointed to a piece of the tree's severed trunk in the back of his truck.
"It was a beautiful tree; I didn't see no reason to cut it," he said. "They wanted it down to keep the conflict down, I guess."
Mr. Hardy was paid $500 by the school for his work but plans to cash in on the controversy again. "I got seven kids," he said, mentioning that he might sell the log on eBay. "I never got a piece of history before. I figured I better hold on to it."
Moments later, LaSalle Parish Superintendent Roy Breithaupt walked across the street to confront Mr. Hardy about showcasing and selling the log. "It's a shame that people would want to profit as a result of people's discomfort and confusion," he said.
Mr. Hardy chainsawed down the infamous live oak tree at Jena High School this summer. That was the gathering place for white students, under which black students sat in August 2006. Nooses were on the tree the next day, and tensions escalated, resulting in the December attack.
Mr. Hardy pointed to a piece of the tree's severed trunk in the back of his truck.
"It was a beautiful tree; I didn't see no reason to cut it," he said. "They wanted it down to keep the conflict down, I guess."
Mr. Hardy was paid $500 by the school for his work but plans to cash in on the controversy again. "I got seven kids," he said, mentioning that he might sell the log on eBay. "I never got a piece of history before. I figured I better hold on to it."
Moments later, LaSalle Parish Superintendent Roy Breithaupt walked across the street to confront Mr. Hardy about showcasing and selling the log. "It's a shame that people would want to profit as a result of people's discomfort and confusion," he said.
Latest News On The Jena 6 Jena looks for next step after protests
Jena looking for it's next step Now that the protests have ended
Residents wonder if national attention will calm racial tensions
10:46 PM CDT on Friday, September 21, 2007
Chris Johnson, 25, says discrimination has existed all his life in Jena, La. "I think things will change," he said. JENA, La. – There were two main points of view in Jena on Friday, a day after tens of thousands of civil rights protesters effectively closed this fading sawmill town.
Some people believe life will never be the same. Others say things may never change.
And like many issues here, what you think seems to depend on the color of your skin.
Chris Johnson, a lanky 25-year-old black man, said the chanting and cheering crowds awakened the nation's consciousness. Jena can't go back.
Whats The latest On The Jena Six
A day after protest, judge refuses to release Jena Six teen
Jena looks for next step after protests
Thousands gather for Jena march, rally
N. Texans marching behind 6 young men in Jena
Jena residents gear up for march in support of black teens
Jena's unearthed tree a symbol of division
There's no walking around divide
"Now that people have seen what we've had to put up with so long, I think things will change," he said. "I hope they do."
A few doors away, Ron Liles, a 63-year-old white fire inspector, was skeptical. He said it takes time and patience to change men's hearts.
"In a way, this may be good for Jena," he said. "This kind of thing makes you deal with the problem."
On Friday, television cameras were still stationed outside the LaSalle Parish Courthouse as a judge rejected a motion that would have given 17-year-old Mychal Bell a chance at freedom.
Mr. Bell is the only one of the black teenagers known as the Jena Six to be tried so far in the December beating of a white classmate.
He was convicted of aggravated second-degree battery. But the conviction was thrown out by a state appeals court that said he could not be tried on the charge as an adult because he was 16 at the time of the beating.
After the juvenile court hearing Friday, his mother emerged from the courthouse in tears.
Behind the court building, Calvin Hardy leaned against the bed of his maroon Toyota pickup truck, perspiration beading on his freckled brow, and smiled broadly at what he called "a piece of history."
Mr. Hardy chainsawed down the infamous live oak tree at Jena High School this summer. That was the gathering place for white students, under which black students sat in August 2006. Nooses were on the tree the next day, and tensions escalated, resulting in the December attack.
Mr. Hardy pointed to a piece of the tree's severed trunk in the back of his truck.
"It was a beautiful tree; I didn't see no reason to cut it," he said. "They wanted it down to keep the conflict down, I guess."
Mr. Hardy was paid $500 by the school for his work but plans to cash in on the controversy again. "I got seven kids," he said, mentioning that he might sell the log on eBay. "I never got a piece of history before. I figured I better hold on to it."
Moments later, LaSalle Parish Superintendent Roy Breithaupt walked across the street to confront Mr. Hardy about showcasing and selling the log. "It's a shame that people would want to profit as a result of people's discomfort and confusion," he said.
Many people, including a federal investigator, criticize Mr. Breithaupt for under-reacting last year when three white students hung the nooses from the tree.
Mr. Breithaupt defended his decisions Friday afternoon. The three white teens responsible for the hangman's nooses, who were suspended instead of expelled, as the principal had recommended, had not been in serious trouble before. He said there was no evidence to suggest that the group meant to harm anyone.
He said their actions were impulsive and irresponsible. As to the December arrest and felony charges against the Jena Six, Mr. Breithaupt said the case has been handled fairly. "That was a premeditated ambush and attack by six students on one student," he said. "He was beaten down into a bloody, unconscious state."
Jena's schools were closed a second day Friday. Mr. Breithaupt said extra security would be on hand when classes resume Monday.
Tensions continued to run high in the area.
Two teenagers were arrested in nearby Alexandria after police said they were trying to provoke a group of protesters waiting to catch a bus home by repeatedly driving their truck – with hangman nooses dangling off the back – past them.
Jeremiah Munsen, 18, of Colfax, La., was charged with inciting a riot, driving while intoxicated and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. A city attorney will decide whether to file charges against the 16-year-old boy from Dry Prong, La., who was in the truck.
Jena news,todays jena 6 case,jena tree might be sold on e-bay, profit off of jena six,money from e-bay for the jena 6 tree
Residents wonder if national attention will calm racial tensions
10:46 PM CDT on Friday, September 21, 2007
Chris Johnson, 25, says discrimination has existed all his life in Jena, La. "I think things will change," he said. JENA, La. – There were two main points of view in Jena on Friday, a day after tens of thousands of civil rights protesters effectively closed this fading sawmill town.
Some people believe life will never be the same. Others say things may never change.
And like many issues here, what you think seems to depend on the color of your skin.
Chris Johnson, a lanky 25-year-old black man, said the chanting and cheering crowds awakened the nation's consciousness. Jena can't go back.
Whats The latest On The Jena Six
A day after protest, judge refuses to release Jena Six teen
Jena looks for next step after protests
Thousands gather for Jena march, rally
N. Texans marching behind 6 young men in Jena
Jena residents gear up for march in support of black teens
Jena's unearthed tree a symbol of division
There's no walking around divide
"Now that people have seen what we've had to put up with so long, I think things will change," he said. "I hope they do."
A few doors away, Ron Liles, a 63-year-old white fire inspector, was skeptical. He said it takes time and patience to change men's hearts.
"In a way, this may be good for Jena," he said. "This kind of thing makes you deal with the problem."
On Friday, television cameras were still stationed outside the LaSalle Parish Courthouse as a judge rejected a motion that would have given 17-year-old Mychal Bell a chance at freedom.
Mr. Bell is the only one of the black teenagers known as the Jena Six to be tried so far in the December beating of a white classmate.
He was convicted of aggravated second-degree battery. But the conviction was thrown out by a state appeals court that said he could not be tried on the charge as an adult because he was 16 at the time of the beating.
After the juvenile court hearing Friday, his mother emerged from the courthouse in tears.
Behind the court building, Calvin Hardy leaned against the bed of his maroon Toyota pickup truck, perspiration beading on his freckled brow, and smiled broadly at what he called "a piece of history."
Mr. Hardy chainsawed down the infamous live oak tree at Jena High School this summer. That was the gathering place for white students, under which black students sat in August 2006. Nooses were on the tree the next day, and tensions escalated, resulting in the December attack.
Mr. Hardy pointed to a piece of the tree's severed trunk in the back of his truck.
"It was a beautiful tree; I didn't see no reason to cut it," he said. "They wanted it down to keep the conflict down, I guess."
Mr. Hardy was paid $500 by the school for his work but plans to cash in on the controversy again. "I got seven kids," he said, mentioning that he might sell the log on eBay. "I never got a piece of history before. I figured I better hold on to it."
Moments later, LaSalle Parish Superintendent Roy Breithaupt walked across the street to confront Mr. Hardy about showcasing and selling the log. "It's a shame that people would want to profit as a result of people's discomfort and confusion," he said.
Many people, including a federal investigator, criticize Mr. Breithaupt for under-reacting last year when three white students hung the nooses from the tree.
Mr. Breithaupt defended his decisions Friday afternoon. The three white teens responsible for the hangman's nooses, who were suspended instead of expelled, as the principal had recommended, had not been in serious trouble before. He said there was no evidence to suggest that the group meant to harm anyone.
He said their actions were impulsive and irresponsible. As to the December arrest and felony charges against the Jena Six, Mr. Breithaupt said the case has been handled fairly. "That was a premeditated ambush and attack by six students on one student," he said. "He was beaten down into a bloody, unconscious state."
Jena's schools were closed a second day Friday. Mr. Breithaupt said extra security would be on hand when classes resume Monday.
Tensions continued to run high in the area.
Two teenagers were arrested in nearby Alexandria after police said they were trying to provoke a group of protesters waiting to catch a bus home by repeatedly driving their truck – with hangman nooses dangling off the back – past them.
Jeremiah Munsen, 18, of Colfax, La., was charged with inciting a riot, driving while intoxicated and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. A city attorney will decide whether to file charges against the 16-year-old boy from Dry Prong, La., who was in the truck.
Jena news,todays jena 6 case,jena tree might be sold on e-bay, profit off of jena six,money from e-bay for the jena 6 tree
Masta Mix Records To Donate A Dollar For Every HoodTreason CD Sold To The Jena 6 Defense
Masta Mix Records will donate a dollar for each HoodTREASON CD sold at Best Buy and Circuit City Stores to the Jena 6 Defense Committee. We at Masta Mix Records just want justice. We do not have an opinion one way or the other but we do believe that this cause deserves our assistance. We do not want to be accused of being part of the so called do nothing Hip Hop Culture I say suport the cause buy the CD and keep your heads up. And thats the latest On the Jena 6 case.
Judge Says No To Bail For Bell Jena 6 Case Goes On
JENA, La. — It had many of the signs of the early civil rights protests — militant slogans, upraised clenched fists and multitudes of police — but it had none of the atmosphere of those hate and fear-drenched campaigns in Selma, Little Rock and Montgomery.
Tens of thousands of protesters stormed this tiny Louisiana town on Thursday, rallying against what they see as a double standard of justice for blacks and whites.
But unlike the protests that became landmarks for civil rights when fire hoses and police dogs greeted demonstrators, Thursday's rally to support six black teenagers facing aggravated battery or attempted murder charges after a school fight had a festive air and a laid-back demeanor.
But today the hopes were on the ordered bail hearing, but bell was denied bail and will remain locked up.The mother hasnt comemented but we have the latest news on the Jena 6 and we will keep you updated with it as it comes in.
'Jena 6' teen denied again won't be released today
'Jena 6' teen won't be released todayMychal Bell, one of the so-called 'Jena 6,' apparently will not be released from juvenile detention today. Bell attended a hearing in juvenile court in Jena, La., this afternoon, one day after a massive civil rights protest in the town involving the arrest of six black teens for the alleged beating of a white teen.
From the AP: Lawyers would not comment because juvenile court proceedings are secret. But the father of one of Bell's codefendants said Bell's bail request was denied. Bell's mother left the courthouse in tears and refused to comment
From the AP: Lawyers would not comment because juvenile court proceedings are secret. But the father of one of Bell's codefendants said Bell's bail request was denied. Bell's mother left the courthouse in tears and refused to comment
Bell's bond hearing may come today The Latest News From Jena
Bell bond hearing might come today
JENA -- Mychal Bell, who has been jailed for more than nine months, could be granted bond today.
During a recusal hearing at 10 a.m. today, 9th Judicial District Court Judge Tom Yeager will decide if a different judge will rule over Bell's sentencing than the one who presided over his jury trial, a court official said.
If Yeager decides there is a conflict with 28th Judicial District Court J.P. Mauffray presiding over the bond hearing, Yeager will hear it today.
A 72-hour deadline from the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal gives the court until Monday to have a bond hearing for Bell, who currently is being held without bond.
Bell is the first of six black Jena High School students known as the "Jena Six" to face trial in connection with a Dec. 4 incident at the school that left white student Justin Barker unconscious and bleeding. Barker was treated for about three hours at a local emergency room.
Bell, along with the others, was charged initially with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit that crime.
He was convicted in June of aggravated second-degree battery and conspiracy to commit that crime, the highest charge possible after LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters reduced his charges just before the trial.
On Sept. 4, Mauffray ruled that Bell's conviction of conspiracy should have been handled in the juvenile court but contended that he had jurisdiction for the battery charge.
On Sept. 14, the 3rd Circuit ruled that the battery conviction as well should have never been handled in the adult judicial system and tossed the charge back to juvenile court. Walters has said he is considering appealing that decision but hasn't had the time to research the case.
Bell was denied bond on Aug. 24 during a hearing with Mauffray who cited previous criminal behavior.
His bond had been set for $90,000 before his felony conviction. After a conviction, there is no bond until a bond hearing is held to determine the amount of bond.
During the August bond hearing, four past adjudications were brought into evidence two charges of battery and two of criminal damage to property.
On Thursday, the thousands packed onto the courthouse lawn chanted "Free Mychal Bell now!" Many questioned why he was in jail.
At one point during Thursday's rally, there were rumors flying around that Bell had been freed.
A woman walking on First Street on Thursday shouted to a crowd, "Mychal is free" and cheers went up from those in earshot.
Soon, the word continued to spread as people walked to and from the downtown rally area.
LaSalle Parish Sheriff's Office officials, however, confirmed that Bell still was being housed in the LaSalle Correctional Center in Urania and will remain there until granted bond and the bond is paid.
Louis Scott, a member of Bell's defense team, said Thursday that the 3rd Circuit's ruling was a culmination of a lot things that had been in the works.
He said the hearing requires that cause is shown why Bell should continued to be held.
When asked how Bell is doing, Scott said he had not talked with Bell on Thursday and did not know how much the teen had seen of what was happening in Jena.
Scott said he was surprised by how many people came to the march but thought more could have come.
He said some travelers were stopped coming in to Jena and that the crowds could have swelled to 100,000 people.
Robert Clark of Monroe came with friends in a recreational vehicle stocked with a sound system. He said he raised more than $26,000 for Bell's bond and the Jena Six Defense Fund. Rock star David Bowie announced earlier this week he had donated $10,000 to the defense fund.
"Mychal may have a lot of problems right now," Clark said, "but money is not one of those."
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Latest Jena Six News Headline Hearing Must Be Had Within 72 Hours
News broke Thursday afternoon that the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal ordered a hearing within 72 hours to determine if the only one of the six still behind bars can be released.
The order has "got to be good," Mychal Bell's attorney, Bob Noel anounced. "It means we have a day in court. Any day in court is going to be a good day."
Earlier, there was an aura of a pilgrimage at the site where the controversial tree once stood before school administrators had it removed.
Many people touched the ground and some retrieved a lump of dirt,part of the town was ill-prepared for the crowds -- no water or toilets were available.
In the background, groups shouted "Black power" and "No justice, no peace."
The estimated 15000 to 20,000 demonstrators shut down the town of 3,000 in central Louisiana. Many residents left for the day, and government agencies, businesses and schools were closed.
Sgt. Tim Ledet of the Louisiana State Police said protesters in buses were still bringing people to town at midday because of the gridlock, but many protesters got off and walked into town on foot.
"There is just no room to maneuver in this small town," he said.
Jena resident Terry Adams disagreed with any accusations that there might be a black-white divide in the area.
jean 6 latest news,jena six headlines,newest news for the jena 6,Latest Jena Rally news,
The order has "got to be good," Mychal Bell's attorney, Bob Noel anounced. "It means we have a day in court. Any day in court is going to be a good day."
Earlier, there was an aura of a pilgrimage at the site where the controversial tree once stood before school administrators had it removed.
Many people touched the ground and some retrieved a lump of dirt,part of the town was ill-prepared for the crowds -- no water or toilets were available.
In the background, groups shouted "Black power" and "No justice, no peace."
The estimated 15000 to 20,000 demonstrators shut down the town of 3,000 in central Louisiana. Many residents left for the day, and government agencies, businesses and schools were closed.
Sgt. Tim Ledet of the Louisiana State Police said protesters in buses were still bringing people to town at midday because of the gridlock, but many protesters got off and walked into town on foot.
"There is just no room to maneuver in this small town," he said.
Jena resident Terry Adams disagreed with any accusations that there might be a black-white divide in the area.
jean 6 latest news,jena six headlines,newest news for the jena 6,Latest Jena Rally news,
Jena 6 Latest News Everything That Happened, Videos, Articles,Pictures And The Rally
Chaos rulesPlans changed nearly by the hour. Press conferences were announced hours before they began.
Fire in Jena
A fire Wednesday night in a house trailer was not suspicious in nature, according to local officials
State Police assure safety
Traffic into Jena will be allowed, but roads on the two planned marching routes will be completely blocked while marchers are on the road, State Police said. Officers will be posted at each intersection's barricades ensuring that ralliers remain safe.
Officers will also be on the lookout for anyone veering off the road onto private property. If anyone is seen doing this, they will be dealt with, police said.
"We are planning for the worst but praying for the best," State Police Sgt. Julie Lewis said.
She said they are preparing for as many as 60,000 to converge on the town of less than 3,500, although there may be much less than that.
Bell's attorneys still working on his releaseLouis Scott, one of Mychal Bell's attorneys, said he is hoping to get word soon about when a bond hearing will be scheduled for Bell's possible release, but at this time there is no hearing scheduled. Until a hearing is scheduled, Bell can't be released, Scott said.
Sharpton speaks with Clinton about 'Jena Six'
The Rev. Al Sharpton interviewed Sen. Hillary Clinton by phone from the LaSalle Parish Courthouse for his radio show.
He said Clinton has great concern about the situation.
Sharpton said Clinton told him that she hopes the current presidential administration steps in and takes action concerning the Jena Six.
Rocker donates $10,000 to fundDavid Bowie has donated $10,000 to the Jena Six legal defense fund.
"There is clearly a separate and unequal judicial process going on in the town of Jena," Bowie said Tuesday in an e-mail statement. "A donation to the Jena Six Legal Defense Fund is my small gesture indicating my belief that a wrongful charge and sentence should be prevented."
DA discusses chargesLaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters was greeted by applause from the few community members that gathered on the courthouse lawn Wednesday afternoon for a press conference.
After giving a statement, Walters spent a few minutes answering questions until various people started shouting questions and arguing with him.
When asked why he charged the boys with attempted murder, he said it was because of his perception and knowledge of what the facts were.
He also addressed the question of why and when he made the statement about taking lives with the "stroke of my pen." He stressed that he never threatened anyone and that the statement wasn't directed at any one particular group.
Speaker: God may 'wipe' out Jena
Nation of Islam representative Deric Muhammad said they were in Jena because there has been an abuse of power. He said Louis Farrakhan had asked him to pass along the message to Jena to "save yourselves by giving justice to the Jena Six." He said the message was to watch the weather, and if justice isn't served, "God will wipe" out Jena.
Jackson said support for Obama not diluted
The Rev. Jesse Jackson made a statement reaffirming his support of presidential hopeful Sen. Barak Obama after he said comments from him about Obama were taken out of context.
"I reaffirm my commitment to vote for Sen. Barak Obama. He has remarkably transcended race, however the impact of Katrina and Jena makes America's unresolved moral dilemma of race unavoidable. I think Jena is another defining moment of the issue of race and the criminal justice system. This issue requires direct and bold leadership. I commend Sen. Obama for speaking out and demanding fairness on this defining issue. Any attempt to dilute my support for Sen. Obama will not succeed.
Read all theese articles here,Jena six latest rally information will be updated round the clock,Live tapes,Live videos of the jena 6 rallys,
Fire in Jena
A fire Wednesday night in a house trailer was not suspicious in nature, according to local officials
State Police assure safety
Traffic into Jena will be allowed, but roads on the two planned marching routes will be completely blocked while marchers are on the road, State Police said. Officers will be posted at each intersection's barricades ensuring that ralliers remain safe.
Officers will also be on the lookout for anyone veering off the road onto private property. If anyone is seen doing this, they will be dealt with, police said.
"We are planning for the worst but praying for the best," State Police Sgt. Julie Lewis said.
She said they are preparing for as many as 60,000 to converge on the town of less than 3,500, although there may be much less than that.
Bell's attorneys still working on his releaseLouis Scott, one of Mychal Bell's attorneys, said he is hoping to get word soon about when a bond hearing will be scheduled for Bell's possible release, but at this time there is no hearing scheduled. Until a hearing is scheduled, Bell can't be released, Scott said.
Sharpton speaks with Clinton about 'Jena Six'
The Rev. Al Sharpton interviewed Sen. Hillary Clinton by phone from the LaSalle Parish Courthouse for his radio show.
He said Clinton has great concern about the situation.
Sharpton said Clinton told him that she hopes the current presidential administration steps in and takes action concerning the Jena Six.
Rocker donates $10,000 to fundDavid Bowie has donated $10,000 to the Jena Six legal defense fund.
"There is clearly a separate and unequal judicial process going on in the town of Jena," Bowie said Tuesday in an e-mail statement. "A donation to the Jena Six Legal Defense Fund is my small gesture indicating my belief that a wrongful charge and sentence should be prevented."
DA discusses chargesLaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters was greeted by applause from the few community members that gathered on the courthouse lawn Wednesday afternoon for a press conference.
After giving a statement, Walters spent a few minutes answering questions until various people started shouting questions and arguing with him.
When asked why he charged the boys with attempted murder, he said it was because of his perception and knowledge of what the facts were.
He also addressed the question of why and when he made the statement about taking lives with the "stroke of my pen." He stressed that he never threatened anyone and that the statement wasn't directed at any one particular group.
Speaker: God may 'wipe' out Jena
Nation of Islam representative Deric Muhammad said they were in Jena because there has been an abuse of power. He said Louis Farrakhan had asked him to pass along the message to Jena to "save yourselves by giving justice to the Jena Six." He said the message was to watch the weather, and if justice isn't served, "God will wipe" out Jena.
Jackson said support for Obama not diluted
The Rev. Jesse Jackson made a statement reaffirming his support of presidential hopeful Sen. Barak Obama after he said comments from him about Obama were taken out of context.
"I reaffirm my commitment to vote for Sen. Barak Obama. He has remarkably transcended race, however the impact of Katrina and Jena makes America's unresolved moral dilemma of race unavoidable. I think Jena is another defining moment of the issue of race and the criminal justice system. This issue requires direct and bold leadership. I commend Sen. Obama for speaking out and demanding fairness on this defining issue. Any attempt to dilute my support for Sen. Obama will not succeed.
Read all theese articles here,Jena six latest rally information will be updated round the clock,Live tapes,Live videos of the jena 6 rallys,
Jena 6 Rally Protests Draw Thousands From Around Nation; See Photos And Check Back For The Latest Updates
Jena protests draw thousands from around nation; see photo galleries and check back for updates. UL students take bus to join movement
JENA — Thousands have converged on this small central Louisiana town to protest in support of the Jena Six.
"This is a day I will tell my grandchildren about," Paillet said. "I remember the stories that my grandparents told me and they thought that I'd never have to go through that."
Paillet is one of countless people here in Jena today rallying against of the arrest and charges brought against six Jena High School students.
"It's heartbreaking," said Northside High School junior, Chantelle Cormier.
A steady stream of traffic engulfed the town. The buses continued to come through the morning, well after the Rev. Al Sharpton took the stage in front of the LaSalle Parish Courthouse to rally the crowd. Some in the crowd said buses lined La. 8, which leads into the town.
Sharpton took the courthouse stage and rallied the crowd: "No justice."
"No peace," the mass of people who had come to rally in Jena from as near as Alexandria and Lafayette and as far as Chicago, Detroit, and Alaska.
Sharpton then started, "Free the Jena Six" then began chanting "Who" The crowd, fists in air, shouted back, "the Jena Six."
Thursday's rally marked the modern civil rights movement, Sharpton told the crowd.
Following the rally at the courthouse, the sea of protesters marched about a mile to Jena High School.
The walkers moved to the refrains of "No justice! No peace!"The protesters are gathering in front of the LaSalle Parish courthouse, listening to speakers and chanting, "What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!"
The case of six black high school students arrested and charged after a fight left a white student hospitalized has sparked a nationwide movement.
One of the Jena Six, Bryant Purvis, was introduced to the crowd at the courthouse.
Most Asked Questions Surrounding The 'Jena Six"
Frequently asked questions surrounding the 'Jena Six"Editor's Note: Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the "Jena Six."
Who are the "Jena Six"?
The six black Jena High School students charged in connection with the beating of a white student have been referred to as the "Jena Six" ever since a June rally at the LaSalle Parish Courthouse where supporters were chanting "Free the Jena Six."
Jesse Ray Beard, Mychal Bell, Robert Bailey Jr., Carwin Jones, Bryant Purvis and Theo Shaw were all originally charged with attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit the same, according to LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters. Those charges came after Justin Barker was hit and then repeatedly kicked by a group of students at the high school on Dec. 4.
All of the students but Beard, who was 14 at the time, were charged as adults. Bell, who was 16 at the time of the incident, was convicted as an adult in June of aggravated second-degree battery and conspiracy to commit that crime. Walters reduced his charges just before the trial.
Since then, both of those convictions have been vacated and tossed back to juvenile court.
Charges against Bailey, Jones and Shaw have been reduced to aggravated second-degree battery. Purvis has yet to be arraigned. Details about Beard's case are unknown as it is being handled in juvenile court, though he is back at Jena High and participating in athletics.
Was it really an all-white jury that convicted Bell?
Yes. There were 150 people summoned for jury duty, although only about 50 appeared. That ratio is normal for LaSalle Parish, court officials said. In those 50 who appeared, none were black. There was no effort to find the nearly 100 who didn't appear, both black and white. That too is common in LaSalle Parish. Punishment for dodging jury duty is at the discretion of the judge.
Community members have squabbled over how many minorities appeared on the list of 150 potential jurors, with numbers ranging from four to more than 20. There is no entry in the juror database for race to ensure that bias isn't used in jury selection, a court official said.
Why were some of the boys charged as juveniles and others as adults?
According to Louisiana's Children's Code, if someone is 15 or over -- Bell was 16 at the time of the incident and Beard was 14 -- and they are charged with one of a list of specific charges -- including attempted murder -- they must be tried in the adult justice system. If a defendant is under the age of 15, he can't be charged as an adult. This decision isn't one resting in the hands of the judge or district attorney but is clearly spelled out in law.
The point of contention in this case was when the charges were reduced from a crime that a child can be charged as an adult -- such as attempted murder -- to a crime that a child can't be charged as an adult -- aggravated battery.
Bell's attorneys argued that the adult court no longer had jurisdiction, while Walters contended that according to law he did.
On Sept. 4, 28th Judicial District Court Judge J.P. Mauffray Jr. agreed with Bell's attorneys when they said Mauffray never had jurisdiction over the conspiracy charge and threw out that conviction. But he contended that he retained jurisdiction of the battery charge. The appeals court didn't agree.
The 3rd Circuit ruled on Sept. 14 that the "trial court erred in denying the defendant's motion" to vacate the adult battery conviction. The three-judge panel ruled that "jurisdiction remains exclusively in juvenile court" for that charge.
In a statement made Sept. 14 following the appeal court's decision, LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters said that after reviewing the ruling, "I will ask the Louisiana Supreme Court to review the decision of the court of appeals."
Bell had a juvenile hearing Sept. 10 regarding the conspiracy charge, but those details are confidential. A juvenile hearing on the battery charge is pending appeals.
Were there really nooses found in connection with this case?
Two nooses were found hanging from a tree at Jena High after a black student asked in a "jocular fashion," according to U.S. Attorney Donald Washington, if the black students could sit under the tree where white students sat. Three students were accused of placing the nooses, and the school principal recommended expulsion for the students. A committee of the LaSalle Parish School Board overruled the decision, and the students were suspended. Details of the suspension aren't a public record. Washington said none of the statements of the accused or the witnesses from the Dec. 4 incident included anything about the nooses. The Jena Six supporters and family contend that the noose incident is what precipitated the Dec. 4 incident.
Who was the victim? What happened to him?
Justin Barker was a student at Jena High. He was knocked unconscious and suffered several injuries to his face during the attack. Barker was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was treated for three hours. That evening he attended a ring ceremony at the high school.
Just a few days before the end of the school year, months after the Dec. 4 incident, Barker was expelled after a hunting gun was found in his car on the school grounds. He was charged as an adult with possession of a firearm in a firearm-free zone. His expulsion carried through to this school year.
Was he involved in any of the previous incidents?
Barker wasn't one of the three students disciplined for the noose incident, and he hasn't been named in any of the fights in Jena leading up to the Dec. 4 incident.
Was the arson at Jena High School connected to the nooses or other incidents?
Police have no leads in the investigation into the November arson that destroyed the main building of the school.
Do any of the "Jena Six" defendants have a criminal past?
Bell has been adjudicated of four previous crimes of violence -- two for battery and two for criminal damage to property. He was placed on probation until his 18th birthday -- Jan. 18, 2008. Juvenile records are normally sealed, but Bell's juvenile record was discussed during a hearing to set bond after his June adult felony conviction. If any of the other students have previous convictions, they haven't yet been made public.
Who are the "Jena Six"?
The six black Jena High School students charged in connection with the beating of a white student have been referred to as the "Jena Six" ever since a June rally at the LaSalle Parish Courthouse where supporters were chanting "Free the Jena Six."
Jesse Ray Beard, Mychal Bell, Robert Bailey Jr., Carwin Jones, Bryant Purvis and Theo Shaw were all originally charged with attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit the same, according to LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters. Those charges came after Justin Barker was hit and then repeatedly kicked by a group of students at the high school on Dec. 4.
All of the students but Beard, who was 14 at the time, were charged as adults. Bell, who was 16 at the time of the incident, was convicted as an adult in June of aggravated second-degree battery and conspiracy to commit that crime. Walters reduced his charges just before the trial.
Since then, both of those convictions have been vacated and tossed back to juvenile court.
Charges against Bailey, Jones and Shaw have been reduced to aggravated second-degree battery. Purvis has yet to be arraigned. Details about Beard's case are unknown as it is being handled in juvenile court, though he is back at Jena High and participating in athletics.
Was it really an all-white jury that convicted Bell?
Yes. There were 150 people summoned for jury duty, although only about 50 appeared. That ratio is normal for LaSalle Parish, court officials said. In those 50 who appeared, none were black. There was no effort to find the nearly 100 who didn't appear, both black and white. That too is common in LaSalle Parish. Punishment for dodging jury duty is at the discretion of the judge.
Community members have squabbled over how many minorities appeared on the list of 150 potential jurors, with numbers ranging from four to more than 20. There is no entry in the juror database for race to ensure that bias isn't used in jury selection, a court official said.
Why were some of the boys charged as juveniles and others as adults?
According to Louisiana's Children's Code, if someone is 15 or over -- Bell was 16 at the time of the incident and Beard was 14 -- and they are charged with one of a list of specific charges -- including attempted murder -- they must be tried in the adult justice system. If a defendant is under the age of 15, he can't be charged as an adult. This decision isn't one resting in the hands of the judge or district attorney but is clearly spelled out in law.
The point of contention in this case was when the charges were reduced from a crime that a child can be charged as an adult -- such as attempted murder -- to a crime that a child can't be charged as an adult -- aggravated battery.
Bell's attorneys argued that the adult court no longer had jurisdiction, while Walters contended that according to law he did.
On Sept. 4, 28th Judicial District Court Judge J.P. Mauffray Jr. agreed with Bell's attorneys when they said Mauffray never had jurisdiction over the conspiracy charge and threw out that conviction. But he contended that he retained jurisdiction of the battery charge. The appeals court didn't agree.
The 3rd Circuit ruled on Sept. 14 that the "trial court erred in denying the defendant's motion" to vacate the adult battery conviction. The three-judge panel ruled that "jurisdiction remains exclusively in juvenile court" for that charge.
In a statement made Sept. 14 following the appeal court's decision, LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters said that after reviewing the ruling, "I will ask the Louisiana Supreme Court to review the decision of the court of appeals."
Bell had a juvenile hearing Sept. 10 regarding the conspiracy charge, but those details are confidential. A juvenile hearing on the battery charge is pending appeals.
Were there really nooses found in connection with this case?
Two nooses were found hanging from a tree at Jena High after a black student asked in a "jocular fashion," according to U.S. Attorney Donald Washington, if the black students could sit under the tree where white students sat. Three students were accused of placing the nooses, and the school principal recommended expulsion for the students. A committee of the LaSalle Parish School Board overruled the decision, and the students were suspended. Details of the suspension aren't a public record. Washington said none of the statements of the accused or the witnesses from the Dec. 4 incident included anything about the nooses. The Jena Six supporters and family contend that the noose incident is what precipitated the Dec. 4 incident.
Who was the victim? What happened to him?
Justin Barker was a student at Jena High. He was knocked unconscious and suffered several injuries to his face during the attack. Barker was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was treated for three hours. That evening he attended a ring ceremony at the high school.
Just a few days before the end of the school year, months after the Dec. 4 incident, Barker was expelled after a hunting gun was found in his car on the school grounds. He was charged as an adult with possession of a firearm in a firearm-free zone. His expulsion carried through to this school year.
Was he involved in any of the previous incidents?
Barker wasn't one of the three students disciplined for the noose incident, and he hasn't been named in any of the fights in Jena leading up to the Dec. 4 incident.
Was the arson at Jena High School connected to the nooses or other incidents?
Police have no leads in the investigation into the November arson that destroyed the main building of the school.
Do any of the "Jena Six" defendants have a criminal past?
Bell has been adjudicated of four previous crimes of violence -- two for battery and two for criminal damage to property. He was placed on probation until his 18th birthday -- Jan. 18, 2008. Juvenile records are normally sealed, but Bell's juvenile record was discussed during a hearing to set bond after his June adult felony conviction. If any of the other students have previous convictions, they haven't yet been made public.
Whats Happening In Jena Today
National Action Network/Michael Baisden rally
The Rev. Al Sharpton said Wednesday that he, Martin Luther King III, Bernice King, radio show host Michael Baisden, TV and movie personality Tyler Perry and bus-loads of supporters will be arriving in Jena today in the wee hours of the morning.
Sharpton said the buses will meet at 5 a.m. at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria and caravan to Jena, arriving at the LaSalle Parish Courthouse.
There, the buses will unload the groups of people, who will stage a rally in front of the courthouse. Following that rally, Sharpton said the group will march to Jena High School, where another rally will take place.
After the rally at the high school, the group will return to the courthouse, where the ralliers will load back onto the buses and return to Alexandria for a rally planned for noon, Sharpton said.
The groups will gather in front of city hall in Alexandria where Sharpton and Baisden will broadcast their radio shows.
He said that at no point will the group go to the Ward 10 Recreation Center south of Jena, where other groups are planning to congregate and march.
There is so much support for this," said Rachel Noerdlinger, the vice president of communications for Sharpton's National Action Network of the Jena Six. "Definitely, different groups will be doing different things."
At noon Wednesday, Sharpton and Baisden met with Bell and others at the LaSalle Parish Jail saying it was hard to see Bell shackled and hand-cuffed, but that the boy was encouraged by all the support.
Sharpton stressed that Bell didn't want anyone disparaging his name or the cause by any acts of violence or negativity.
NAACP rally and events
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's annual state conference has been scheduled for months to begin today in Alexandria. Organizers thought that there was no better way to kick off their conference than with a rally in support of the Jena Six and for justice in Jena and everywhere, Louisiana NAACP president Ernest Johnson said.
Ralliers with this group are expected to meet at the Ward 10 Recreation Center between 6 and 7 a.m. with the rally kicking off at 8 a.m. Speakers at the rally include NAACP national president Dennis Courtland Hayes, Congresswoman Maxine Walters, Civil Rights activist Dick Gregory and the Rev. Jesse Jackson. He said Martin Luther King III, Bernice King and Sharpton are expected to speak at their event as well.
After the rally, a nearly two-mile march to the courthouse is planned.
"There has been a great injustice," Johnson said of the case involving the teens. "One of these teens has been in jail for almost a year from something that was clearly nothing more than a school fight. The punishment is not fitting the crime."
After the march is completed, they are heading back to Alexandria where the NAACP convention is being held. Johnson said they are hosting a Town Hall meeting about disparities in the public school system at the Alexander Fulton Hotel convention center.
Jena Six Benefit Concert
The families of the Jena Six have organized a benefit concert for noon today at the Ward 10 park to "bring together the young people of Jena and surrounding communities with local artists and performers from around the country," concert organizer Catrina Wallace said.
She said the concert is a "unifying event that shares cultural music, spoken word and poetry, as well as the collective struggle to overcome racism and hatred." Wallace said concert speakers and performers will also share their vision for young people, families and communities achieving justice and equity.
Those coming, Wallace said, include David Banner, Lyfe Jennings, Bay Bay, Hurricane Chris, Trill Ent, Big Boom & 2Throwed, Sunni Patterson, Stooge's Brass Band and Big Unk.
Earlier reports from Wallace that Cupid, creator of the popular Cupid Shuffle line dance, would be performing were incorrect. Cupid said he was never contacted about performing in the town.
"I didn't know anything about this until my dad saw it in the paper and called me," said Cupid, aka Bryson Bernard of Lafayette. "This is wrong information being put out by a promoter who never contacted me."
jena rallys,latest jena 6 news,rally pictures,where to go in jena,jena concerts
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
