The recent conviction of Black high school student Mychal Bell in the small rural town of Jena, Louisiana, demonstrates why the struggle for civil rights and equal justice must continue with renewed vigor.

In a vindictive miscarriage of justice, LaSalle Parish District Attorney J. Reed Walters brought the full weight of his office as a prosecutor down on Bell, 17, who may face a 15-year prison term for aggravated second-degree battery for participating in a school fight.

Five other Black students are at risk of similar convictions. These young men, known as the Jena Six, are victims of a double standard too common throughout America where the scales of justice are weighed against African Americans and other people of color. It is also a disturbing reminder of the increasing criminalization of Black youths and trying them as adults.

The NAACP in Charleston is taking a group to Jena, La. to protest at the sentencing of Mychal Bell to prison for a school fight. 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.

A bus is also leaving from Columbia. You can get a ticket for the bus at the Community Bank on the corner across from Baptist Hospital. The cost is $100. They will leave from columbia mall parking lot on 9/19/07 at 6pm.  The ride will take approximately 11 hours and will make various stops along the way to rest and eat.  After the sentencing and the rally the bus will leave at 5pm on the 20th and head back to columbia.

If you know of others going to Jena, LA, or are looking for a ride, contact Arnold Karr at 803-318-4427

For more information see:

Local NAACP to take group to protest in La. 

Case of 'Jena Six' Tears at Small Town's Harmony

Free The Jena Six  

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