Jena 6 Protest in Jena

Written by friendsofjustice

 Protest info:

Thanks for your interest in coming to Jena, LA to support the Jena 6!

It’s short notice, but on Tuesday, July 31st–the date Mychal Bell was originally scheduled to be sentenced–there will be a program and rally at the courthouse in Jena, organized by the families and their supporters. Having a sizable number of outsiders there will help focus media attention on the situation and communicate to the officials in Jena that the rest of us are watching. It will also be meaningful for the families of the Jena 6 to know that others support them, from near and far. It would be great if you could come.

As we help locals plan for this event, we want to get a sense of how many people are coming. Below, are some details on getting to Jena, so you can figure out if you’ll be able to get there on the 31st.

Details

If you’re flying to Louisiana, the closest airport to Jena is in Alexandria, a 45 minute drive away. There are also airports in Shreveport (about a 3 hour drive from Jena), New Orleans (about a 4 hr drive from Jena) and Baton Rouge (about 3 hrs from Jena). The closest hotels are in Alexandria (there is only one motel in Jena, which will fill up quickly).

Organizers will meet you when you arrive at a central location in Jena and get you situated for the day. We will be providing maps, organizers’ cell phone numbers, and other information closer to the day-of; you will be able to reach someone in case you have any problems, need directions, or have questions along the way. In addition to the rally, we hope to have a few other activities planned so you can get to know the town a bit before you leave.

RSVP

Once you’re confident you can come (or if you have unanswered questions), please send an email to jena@colorofchange.org , and provide us with the following information:

1. Your name
2. How many people you think will come with you, if any (we encourage you to organize a group, if you can)
3. A cell phone number where we can reach you (and whether or not it’s ok to send you text messages)
4. The area from which you’re traveling
5. How you are planning on getting to Jena (and if by air, into which airport)
6. And any other questions you might have

If you’ve decided you can’t come, there’s no need to email us. Either way, thanks for taking action in support of the Jena 6, and for considering coming to Jena. We hope to see you soon.

Thanks and Peace,

– James Rucker
Executive Director, ColorOfChange.org
July 26th, 2007

8 thoughts on “Jena 6 Protest in Jena”

  1. Hi all,
    In solidarity with the protesters in Jena, on JULY 31 we are having an informational/ awareness building campaign in Cambridge, MA. Harvard Square. We will meet in front of the Harvard Bookstore at 5:00 pm and begin to gather names for the petition, interested parties contact information and hand out action sheets for people. We will also film our action and you’ll be able to watch it on youtube!!!

    Please come if you are in the area!

    Call 781-862-1621
    or e-mail
    keurdiarra@gmail.com to RSVP

  2. Pingback: Presidential Election 2008 News And Results » Blog Archive » Jena 6 Update
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  4. that was wrong what happened to the african american students and that is really messed up that the town is 85% white! I hope they get a good lawyer! god bless them!

  5. i speak as a black soldier in the military. i have been defending the freedoms of all men and women for 10 years now. to think that places and attitudes like this still exist in the world today not only makes me sick to my stomach, but also makes me wonder what i am really fighting for. those six individuals don’t deserve the treatment or the scrutiny. this is unfair for any race and this will not be tolerated by anyone who stands for justice and equality. you are all in my prayers and i am in your corner. TRUE JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  6. When we hear such disgusting stories like the Jena situation, sometimes it compells us to say, “but it’s 2007!” Unfortunately, it does not matter what year it is or the geographic area that we may be in when discrimination is alive and kicking!!!

    I own a travel company called Treasures of Faith and Travel and although we are a small fish in the travel industry, I would still like to make a difference. I am planning on donating 75% of my company’s proceeds between August 24, 2007 – September 20, 2007. If you have travel needs to get to Jena, I encourage you to visit http://www.faithntravel.com. Could someone please give me the contact information for where the donation needs to be mailed to? Thank you!

  7. When we hear such disgusting stories like the Jena situation, sometimes it compells us to say, “but it’s 2007!” Unfortunately, it does not matter what year it is or the geographic area that we may be in when discrimination is alive and kicking!!!

    I own a travel company called Treasures of Faith and Travel and although we are a small fish in the travel industry, I would still like to make a difference. I am planning on donating 75% of my company’s proceeds between August 24, 2007 – September 20, 2007. If you have travel needs to get to Jena, I encourage you to visit http://www.faithntravel.com and click the “book travel” button. Could someone please give me the contact information for where the donation needs to be mailed to? Thank you!

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