Please read the latest Jena Six post here.
If you don’t know about the Jena Six, read this first: The Jena 6: Since When Do Teenage Boys Watch Lonesome Dove?. Charges have been reduced for one of the Jena 6.
JENA, La. (AP) – Attempted murder and conspiracy charges against a black high school student accused in the December beating of a white student escalating racial tensions were reduced Monday to less serious charges that could mean far less time in prison if he is convicted.
Mychale Bell still faces trial Tuesday on charges stemming from the Dec. 4 beating. But instead of facing sentences totalling 80 years, he now faces maximum sentences totalling 22 years if convicted.
Bell was one of five black Jena High School students charged in the beating, which occurred about three months after three white students were suspended for hanging nooses from a school yard tree.
Another juvenile, whose identity and charges were not released because of his age, was also accused. They were dubbed the “Jena Six” by supporters who say the attempted murder charges resulted from racism by authorities and were far out of proportion to the seriousness of the crime.
However, charges being reduced doesn’t get anyone out of jail. And these charges ARE ridiculous. This was a high school fight, in which the student who was assaulted was brought to the ER and quickly released. Do I wish the fight hadn’t occurred? Certainly, along with everyone else. But let’s recall what led to the fight – here’s the summary by Friends of Justice, with my emphasis and notes in brackets.
• On Thursday, August 31, 2006, a small group of black students asked if they could sit under a tree on the traditionally white side of the Jena High School square. [They felt it necessary to ASK. What does that say?]
• The students were informed by the Vice Principal that they could sit wherever they pleased.
• The following day, September 1, 2006, three nooses were found hanging from the tree in question. Two of the nooses were black and one was gold: the Jena High School colors.
• On Tuesday night, September 5, 2006, a group of black parents convened at the L&A Missionary Baptist Church in Jena to discuss their response to what they considered a hate crime and an act of intimidation. [No laws were broken by hanging these nooses, nor should we have laws for motive instead of action. But it certainly fell under the school disciplinary category.]
• When black students staged an impromptu protest under the tree on Wednesday, September 6, 2006, a school assembly was hastily convened. Flanked by police officers, District Attorney Reed Walters warned black students that additional unrest would be treated as a criminal matter. According to multiple witnesses, Walters warned the black student protestors that, “I can make your lives disappear with a stroke of my pen.” This was widely interpreted as a reference to the filing of charges carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison. [An assembly basically convened to tell the black students to "simmah down, boy."]
• On Thursday, September 7th, police officers patrolled the halls of Jena High School and on Friday, September 8th, the school was placed on full lockdown. Most students, black and white, either stayed home, or were picked up by parents shortly after the lockdown was imposed. The Jena Times suggested that black parents were to blame for the unrest at the school because their September 5th gathering had attracted media attention. [What would you do if your child was threatened?]
• Principal Scott Windham recommended to an expulsion hearing committee that the three white boys responsible for hanging the nooses in the tree should be expelled from school. [Very wise.]
• On Thursday September 7, 2006, asserting that the noose were merely a silly prank inspired by a hanging scene in the television min-series ‘Lonesome Dove’, the committee opted for a few days of in-school suspension. The names of the three students were not released to the public for reasons of confidentiality. [Teenage boys watch MTV, not Hallmark channel mini-series. Give me a freaking break.]
• According to press accounts, on September 10, 2006, several dozen black parents attempted to address a meeting of the school board but were refused an opportunity to speak.
• At a second September meeting of the school board, September 18, 2006, a representative of the black families was allowed to give a five-minute statement, but school board refused to discuss the “noose issue” because the matter had been fully addressed and resolved.
• Although few major disciplinary issues emerged during the fall semester at Jena High School, there is strong evidence that several black male students remained unusually agitated throughout the semester and that disciplinary referrals on these students spiked sharply.
• On Thursday, November 30, 2006, the academic wing of the Jena High School was largely destroyed by a massive fire. Officials strongly suspect arson.
• Throughout the following weekend, Jena was engulfed by a wave of racially tinged violence.
• In one incident, a black student was assaulted by a white adult as he entered a predominantly white partly held at the Fair Barn (a large metal building reserved for social events). After being struck in the face without warning, the young black student was assaulted by white students wielding beer bottles and was punched and kicked before adults broke up the fight. It has been reported that the white assailant who threw the first punch was subsequently charged with simple battery (a misdemeanor), but there is no documentary evidence that anyone was charged.
• In a second major incident, a white high school graduate who had been involved in the assault the night before pulled a pump-action shotgun on three black high school students as they exited the Gotta-Go, a local convenience store. After a brief struggle for possession of the firearm, the black students exited the scene with the weapon. [According to Mother Jones, the black students were charged with aggravated battery and theft.]
• The Jena Times has reported that, in light of these racially-tinged incidents, several high school teachers begged school administrators to postpone the resumption of classes until the wave of hysteria had dissipated. This request was ignored and classes resumed the morning of Monday, December 4, 2006.
• Shortly after the lunch hour of Monday, December 4, 2006, a fight between a white student and a black student reportedly ended with the white student [Justin Barker, later arrested for having a rifle with 13 bullets in his truck in the school parking lot.] being knocked to the floor. Several black students reportedly attacked the white student as he lay unconscious. Because the incident took place in a crowded area and was over in a matter of seconds eye witness accounts vary widely. Written statements from students closest to the scene (in space and time) suggest that the incident was sparked by an angry exchange in the gymnasium moments before in which the black student assaulted at the Fair Barn was taunted for having his “ass whipped”.
• The victim of the attack is close friends of the boys who have admitted to hanging the nooses in September of 2006.
• Within an hour of the fight, six black students were arrested and charged with aggravated battery. [According to the Chicago Trib it was originally "attempted second-degree murder and other offenses, for which they could face a maximum of 100 years in prison if convicted."] According to The Jena Times, at least a dozen teachers subsequently threatened a “sick-out” if discipline was not restored to the school. According to the Alexandria Town Talk, District Attorney Reed Walters responded to the teacher’s threat by upping the charges on the six boys to attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder—charges carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Where was that swift justice for the student assaulted at the Fair Barn? Why was the man with the shotgun not arrested but the students he threatened at gunpoint charged? Those events occurred long before Jena D.A. Reed Walters wrote in the Jena Times,
“I will not tolerate this type of behavior,” Walters wrote. “To those who act in this manner, I tell you that you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and with the harshest crimes that the facts justify. When you are convicted, I will seek the maximum penalty allowed by law. I will see to it that you never again menace the students at any school in this parish.”
The white boy who threw the first punch at the black student [Robert Bailey Jr.] at the Fair Barn was charged with simple battery – others who took part in the beating were not charged at all. The white adult (a Jena high school graduate) who threatened three black Jena students with a shotgun was not charged with a crime. Evidently behavior worse than high school students beating another high school student is, in fact, tolerable and not prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, because the Fair Barn beating was a mirror incident to the Jena High School beating. There’s no comparison to the shotgun threat – unless you count the noose threat, also by whites against blacks. And make no mistake – it was a threat. This is the south, and anyone from here understands the symbolism of a noose. In this circumstance, it was unmistakable.
Now two of these kids [Mychale Bell and Theodore Shaw] have sat in jail (due to the lack of a $90,000 bond – $90k for a high school fight!!) since December 4th. So far, nearly seven months in jail for a high school fight. The charges have been reduced to aggravated assault, instead of attempted 2nd degree murder. This is the game they’re playing in Jena – set the bond ridiculously high to keep them in jail, and keep delaying the trial. If the case is dismissed tomorrow, they’ve still spent more than six months in jail for a high school fight. They were not able to graduate. One of the students, Carwin Jones, is a promising athlete who had college scholarships waiting for him. The scholarships are now withdrawn. The kids’ lawyers have been asking for a speedy trial, which they have the right to. But the prosecutor just can’t seem to get his witnesses together… in this tiny little town of about 3,000 people, where folks know each other. Convenient, that. The students should have been expelled for fighting. There’s no excuse for it, even though they were sorely provoked. But six months – so far – in jail for a high school fight in which no one was seriously hurt is a disgrace. The discrepancy between how the whites were treated and how the blacks were treated is painfully obvious.
As the expression goes, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean someone isn’t out to get you. The stopped clocks of the ACLU, Mother Jones, a Daily Kos diarist, Pravda and Al Sharpton may still be right twice a day, and this is one of those times.
At this point – since they’re not going to get the nearly seven months back, and the scholarships may also be gone forever, as will their reputations, I’m rooting for the Jena Six, or at minimum the two who have spent half a year in jail, to end up with a whopping big settlement that all but bankrupts the town of Jena.
Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, The Virtuous Republic, Perri Nelson’s Website, Azamatteroprinciple, Big Dog’s Weblog, Right Truth, DragonLady’s World, Stuck On Stupid, Leaning Straight Up, The Amboy Times, , Rightlinx, third world county, Wake Up America, Nuke’s news and views, Pirate’s Cove, The Pink Flamingo, Dumb Ox Daily News, Right Voices, Right Pundits, Committees of Correspondence, DeMediacratic Nation, Maggie’s Notebook, , Webloggin, The Bullwinkle Blog, Conservative Cat, The World According to Carl, Blue Star Chronicles, Gulf Coast Hurricane Tracker, High Desert Wanderer, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
Ruth-
By the way, the things I have said all relate to your debate with From Jena. You are putting her on trial for her addmitted minor racist tendencies when you in fact deal with this same type of racism. It would be clear to any literate, intelligent person from simply reading over the above postings that you hold racist feelings towards whites. At least she was willing to admit to the fact that she has at times exhibited minor racist behavior. Now you, a racist as well, are going to crucify her. On what grounds?
It’s okay to be angry. But let’s try to use some of that anger and turn it into energy to make a change. Don’t be a part of the problem, be a part of the solution. I pray for all that are logging onto here with anger. Hope to see you in Jena on Thursday. But please be peaceful. Acting like a fool only shows your ignorance. Be easy and Be BLESSED.
Keysha-
I am not angry. I just take offense to Ruth attacking From Jena for admitting that she sometimes expresses minor racist tendencies. Ruth, on the other hand, fails to acknowledge that she is blatantly racist towards whites (which is obvious to everyone in here anyway). She has charged free Jena with having klansmen tendencies and in all reality should be pulled from this blog site. It is unfair that we crucify honest people like From Jena, who tell the entire truth, but allow blatant racism towards whites to flow from the ignorant mouth of Ruth. I truly would like to assist her in getting educated, a process that can start once she acknowledges her issues and concedes that she needs help to address the deepseeded racism that she is battling.
Keysha:
I agree with you. Read my Comment #179.
Common Sense:
I’m definitely a guy.
…and I see where you’re coming from with Ruth. Not trying to gang up on her or anything, but it seems as if she has this unquenched anger towards me because I’m white (I can’t think of any other explanation for it). Their hasn’t been a point to where she’s said “Oh, I understand.” I think she lacks a serious ability to understand other people’s opinions when they differ from her own. People who genuinely want to work through the race issue want to come to agreements on things, they want to understand the other side and vice versa. Ruth seems to want accountability for me because I’ve reached out by admitting I have minor racial issues; but she doesn’t want to extend her hand by acknowledging that she understands and sharing her own faults as a person.
This indicates to me that she’s forming her opinions based on her anger and not her desire to change things for the better.
From Jena-
I apologize, I figured you were a guy, I think I just wrote she because I was using she in reference to Ruth. And all I am saying is that she realy doesn’t know the facts of this case and has turned this against you (who with the exception of maybe laura is the most knowledgable of the case). It is almost like she so badly wants to disagree with the points you are making (that are for the most part true) and she is attempting to do so by accusing you of being a racist/klansmen. Clearly, she has undisclosed feelings regarding white people in this country, but has spun the argument on you unfairly. I really hope that she realizes this is not an attack on her, just a defense on your behalf because of her attempts at undercutting your opinions by accusing you of being racist. If you scroll through the postings, it becomes clear that she holds more racially motivated opinions than anyone else here. I just hope she recognizes that and comes to terms with it.
Let me start off by saying.. They were fighting not committing a murder. To be charged with murder is FOOLISH. Just like some of these responses on here. To be locked up for seven months for fighting is FOOLISHNESS!!! I didn’t read about the boys with the rifle and gun being locked up for seven months and the lives being changed. You know why because the town is racist. It’s a shame they we still live in a SOCIETY like that. And yes COUNRTY people do watch MTV.. Come on not let’s not be stupid and say that they don’t. Your wrong for say they don’t. It was a fight, A FIGHT!!! and you want to young guys to spend the lives in prison for fighting.. Then something is wrong with you. MAybe ya’ll need to go visit some other places around the world and not live in you LITTLE town of only maybe 2% of blacks. Life is to short to racist and to be brought up like that. It seems to me it goes by the color of your skin in JENA!!! Now would the white guys have spented seven months in jail. NO and you know they wouldn’t. So that just let me know how it really is!!!!!
WOW all I am hearing is that blacks are racist too. A black person can pre-judge or even be Prejudice but we do not have the power to be racist. To be racist is to oppress another race. Blacks do not have the power to oppress another race. Also just wanted to say that the charges are unreasonable (using the shoe as a weapon). I will not say anymore besides I hope this changes things.
Nicole:
You haven’t read all of the story. You read this update, read a few postings at the top, and made a comment based on that little information you got. Read the entire thing.
HE’S NOT GETTING 100 years in prison. AT MOST he’ll get 22, and I suspect he’ll get alot less than that. The charges on Mychal Bell were reduced to aggravated battery. Mychal Bell is a CRIMINAL, he has four prior VIOLENT acts in his past. That is a CONFIRMED FACT!! What if you had brothers and sisters that lived next to him, would YOU want him set free?
…and no, as said at least 7 or 8 times on here, SIX ganging up on ONE unconscious body and kicking the mess out of it isn’t a fight. He was sucker punched and BEATEN, without regards to whether or not he was alive.
What if this was 6 white guys kicking a black guy. THEN what would you say? An answer isn’t necessary, I already have you figured out.
Would the white guys have spent 7 months in jail for doing this to a black guy?????? HELL YEAH!!! You know what kind of MEDIA story THAT WOULD BE? Every angry black person in America (that includes you) would be asking for LIFE in prison.
…and yeah, country people DO watch MTV, but they ALSO watch shows like Gunsmoke, Lonesome Dove, Wyatt Earp. You don’t know how it is in Jena so quit acting like you can describe what this town is like with ANY validity. Okay?
I am deeply appalled by the comments of both blacks and whites. We have become complacent in our thinking to actually believe that racism has been eradicated by laws. Racism can not be eliminated at all. It is a thought process that is purely based on ignorance. I was born and raised in Princeton, WV, left in 1973. My family and I return yearly. These small towns do not and have not changed their thinking. My 16 year old son experienced his first taste of racism and was very angry, hurt and upset. He should not have to deal with that in this year of 2007.
To the person that commented that blacks are the only ones whom do not get along with whites is utterly ridiculous. Other races do not report the crimes.
This case is a prime example of racism that is alive and well in America and all races are guilty of it. I have experienced racism at its best in WVA and in Baltimore MD(recently) .People wake up. RACISM EXISTS. Plain and simple.
And for those you that say you have “black friends” ,No you dont have “black friends” you know a black person. You are associates because if someone is your friend you dont say I have a black friend you state this is my friend John Doe not my black friend John Doe. You are already segregating your friends in and by color groups. That is racist.
“SIMPLY SAID THE PUNISHMENTS DO NOT FIT THE CRIME.”
Thanks “FromJena” I was just about to respond to Nicole before I read yours. A “fight” is not 6 people stomping an unconscious kid’s head into concrete.
“I am not surprised that sealed juvenile records were publicly read in this case as an attempt to continue to hold this young man.”
Mychal Bell was placed on probation in April of 2005 until his 18th birthday and violated it twice. It was relevant because the attack on Justin Barker was also a probation violation.
all day at work i’ve been reading everyone’s comments. every single one. this way i could see every point of view and then speak my mind. first off i see great points from both sides. those in favor and those who oppose. when hearing about this story i literally became sick. i believe this case has now become much more then about racism. if you break it down its simply between right and wrong. to label the hanging of the nooses as a prank is simply sad. since when did something that represents so much hate become funny. i’m not laughing. yes it has been stated that everyone involved in this incident and those leading up to it should be punished. and i agree. however the type of punishment by no means fits the crime. its unfortunate that the da in Jena is flexing his power way too much and is trying to make what i believe an example out of Mychal Bell. it is a known stereo type that black men are good for nothing but making babies, being bums, or doing nothing with thier lives. but here we have a young black man with a scholorship who is inturn trying to break all of those unjust stereotype, but now all he will be doing is trying to find a way to break free. regardless if he goes to jail or not this will follow and be with him as long as he lives. yes, in his past he may have caused some trouble which none of us know the extent of. but i ask who hasn’t made a mistake regardless of how small or big. there are many important people in todays society that have made great mistakes and have turned thier lives around. who are we to say these boys cant do the same. why let another body take up a jail cell spot where i feel would better be suited for a rapist or murderer. and for justin who went to a event that same day..how hurt could he really be. that also needs to be taken in account. if i’m correct i believe “From Jenna” has said the media has made her town look horrible. (maybe not word from word but around that if i’m correct.) and sadly shes right. but i feel that many are so outraged that the fail to realize that theres a little Jena everywhere you go. it’s not the place it’s the mindset of the people. as much as we would like to change everyone and everything when it comes to racism we have to realize we just cant. i feel it’s never going to change. hate is all over and is still in many peoples hearts. and as long as even an ounce of hate is in one persons heart it will spread just like it has now…generations to generations. hate and ignorance is what generated all of these events. the nooses, the Robert getting jumped, the pulling of the gun on the boys, and also justins attack. it’s just sad that it took something like this to get people to finally face and stop ignoring the kind of world we live in. i wish the best for the six and thier families. this is just a test of thier faith.
To common sense,
so the solution to changing a system that you think is unfair is to get up and leave, I think not. There are so many cases where the justice system has failed african americans.
* Right here in Georgia we have a young man in jail who was sentenced to 10 yrs for having consentual oral sex with a girl that he was only a year or two older than. Then in the same court room you have a white teacher who had sex with one of her young students get a slap on the wrist probation.
* 3 black males accused of rape spent years in jail for crimes that never committed and were released
*Emmit till an all white jury found his killers innocent. That is why we need racial diversity in jurys
There are too many numerous cases to mention. Justice is still handed down a lot of the time base on race and if you would like I can compile you a list of such cases in comparison to what minorites in this country get VS whites for the same crimes. As far as Oj, he was tried by a diverse jury not everyone in America wanted to see him go down for that because there are many that did not believe he did it. Personally, I think he may have but will I ever know for sure no. I do think that his money helped him, just like Micheal Jackson, and Nicole Richie. If you are black and Rich a lot of the time you can buy justice sometimes not.
Ruth:
as far as the comment you made about proof ,From Jena did not have any proof in saying that non of the jurors were pursuaded to stay away. I am making the argument that it seems fishy to me that none of a group of fifty show up for jury duty and none of them got in trouble for it. I do feel that there is something not quite right about that situation. I had Jury duty today and I sat from 8:00 to 3:00 and then was told I was not needed, it seemed like a waste of time to me, to not get a chance to serve, yet had I not shown up I would have faced a fine and or imprisonment. Showing up or not is not suppose to be a choice it is an obligation.
Anyways I have found that my time is better served helping the bus organizers here in my state and passing around the info on the trip, so I will not be spending to much more time on this blog. I never expected to change anyone’s mind as I said those from Jena will protect Jena. All that common sense did was reiterate the need for us to do what we are doing. The fact that it is legal for anyone to be tried completely by the opposite race and not have anyone on those juries that are a reflection of your ethnic background is sad. Of course it is okay with some White people because this country does not have a history of standing by and watching injustices happening to you. That is why I am fighting because I do not believe that it is right, it is what led to injustices in the past and it will in the future, if it is allowed to continue.
I was born in and live in America, My ancestors help to build this country. My family is here and so is my history, I aint going no where, but I will work with others to help to make this country a place where everyone can get equal justice under the law. So common sense if you do not like the way I think why don’t you leave, cause this is my home as wrong as this country has treated my people and my ancestors it is still my home too and I am going to work my but off trying to make it better not just for what is comfortable for whites but for all people.
I will look in from time to time but f or the most part this blog has been a place for nothing more than racial debate and one side wanting the other side to bend, and since I have no intention on bending then maybe my continuing to post here is pointless.
Wrong is wrong. Your all kown that this little town is so racist. To give one so mush time it is crazy.and not give the other kids nothing you have to be dum to said that you can not fine this dum judge racist. the only reason these dum white do the things they do is because they can get alway with it. but the day that they have to answer to there action is the they all this race will end. Not all white are racist lets keep it real. Just the low life one that are not sure of them self.
Hello all, I was born and raised in Alexandria one of the towns near Jena. I think we all are missing the point in what really going on in Jena. If you read all the blogs and understand it you will understand about what these cases stem from. It stem from black boys messing with white girls and the town is tired of it. You may say that I’m wrong but believe me living in that enviroment for all my teenage life I do recoginize it. No matter what Mychal Bell alleged did it doesn’t warrant jail time. We are missing the point here and it’s sad. The point is you will never change the enviroment and the thinking of the whites in Jena, it’s embedded for generation. The blacks their have that slave mentality as if they can’t change the way things are. Remind you the lifestyle of blacks in Jena are just the same as whites but the mental awareness between each race is very different. I encourage people in Jena to travel and see how race relation is around the nation before saying nothing is wrong. It is I lived and I thank god everyday I got out of there. Just think he would go to jail longer than a person for attempted armed robbery would or a woman that kill her husband and only got seven days. So I ask you do his crime fits the punishment. If you think it does well I pray for you.
Free:
I apologize if you feel like you haven’t swayed anyone, but you have to realize that the media:
1.) Put UNVERIFIED information out to the public
(ex. Justin Barker called some black students the “n” word. No eye witness statements say this. It’s complete hearsay.)
2.) Put information out that was partial to one side ONLY.
(ex. The Fair Barn incident, where stories differ, yet the only story that was reported was what the angry black students’ families are saying; it’s obvious that no eye witness statements were pulled during their information gathering)
3.) Put only part of the information about a particular incident out there, without mentioning the other parts that seem to “water down” their racism bit.
(ex. Mychal Bell was convicted of an all-white jury, yet not ONE MEDIA publication that I’VE read so far has shown that the black potential jurors never showed up for jury duty)
You see this as an overall fight for racism and, if I’m on the other side, then I’m against you. This is not true! I am not a racial activist. Racism isn’t an issue that affects me in such a deep way (at least at this point in my life) as to be an activist. But I do agree racism is wrong and I am willing to take small steps to do my part.
Me and several of us in here see this as a fight to clear the air about our town, despite the racist badge the media has seemed to give it.
So we’re fighting two different fights here, and they aren’t as correlated as the media insists.
Believe me From Jena I’m not racist, a matter of fact i’m in a interracial relationship. So, I live all of the United States and a graduate of Bolton High School 88′ Which I do understand where you are coming from but when we sit here and play Monday morning quarterback. We all know Jena is separated by income and race. Jena is not a metro city but you guys have metro problems and if you don’t have any idea why kids are the way they are the city of Jena will always have race relation problem. Sometimes things like this helps each race have a better understanding of each other but if people continue to be narrow minded on both sides things will never change. Just think this about a fight a high school. This was bound to happen. But if you want to make all this go away just make the right thing is done. And no matter what happen you have exhausted all means that justice have been done. And you keep sleep at night knowing that. I love my state but sometimes my state doesn’t love me.
From Jena- You still have not answered my question in regards to what you think your “minor” racism is. The thing is, while even you agree that the noose hanging was racism and should be handled as such, the people in your town are defending it and justifying by calling it a “minor” prank. So one person’s persepective of what is minor is another’s boiling point, therefore no amount of racism is acceptable-period! And like Sunevborn stated in 207, I do not have the power to oppress another race-period. You admitted in your own words that you are racist whether or not you think it’s minor. Why are you so hard on kids who gave this young white man a “minor” beat down, so minor in fact he was out that same evening partying with his friends? Bottom line it was wrong to jump that kid, but not to the point where they should spend months in jail for it! And I did state that no matter how silly or loosely based your arguement, you are atleast standing up for something. There ends my agreement with anything you have said, and I will not kid glove my responses to you by sugar coating anything, because like I said sticks and stones. You are basically saying, “I’m racist, but hey it’s only minor- i’m not hanging nooses or anything.” Lastly, the Klan hides behind white hoods for protection, because of their wrong doings. You are hiding behind your assumed name for your “protection” because you are on this blog openly admitting that you are racist-albeit “minor.” I agree wholeheartedly with free in heading to Jena in a peaceful movement, as it will only make things worse to start trouble.
To Laura or Free or anyone else- Have you heard anything about donating money to a scholarship fund for the scholarships that these young men lost? I would be interested in getting some information on that, as educating these young men and getting them out of that town seems necessary now more than ever!
Also to Free- I agree with you on the juror thing, I can say that I have never personally known any of my friends, family, or co-workers from any minority group to have jury duty. Whereas I know several of my white friends, family, and coworkers to have had it on more than one occasion.
All of you who think this case is not related to race is in denial. This is another act against black america. These boys were standing up for themselves and defending themselves in what seems to be a PREJUDICE town. The only reason you are not willing to acknowledge that this incident is tied to race is because it will make you have to examine yourself. And the guilt that would come from that would probably be to much to handle. As many say, truth is a hard thing to face. WAKE UP!!!!! It’s time to stop singling out individuals based on racial differences. YOU, the “white man” your no better and this is no longer your America!!!!! WAKE UP!!!! It’s time for this injustice to end!!!
Free:
I won’t elaborate on MY minor racist issues until you extend your hand and admit yours.
I’m prepared to elaborate, but I do not wish to dig myself in a hole. If I elaborate, what’s next? Let’s focus on racism on both sides, not just one. You don’t seem the type to wish for fairness in this argument. You don’t realize that bridging the racism gap involves admitting weaknesses and prejudices, not just forcing others to.
Ruth-
Everyone must do jury duty at some point, it just depends on when you are called. Please don’t imply that the government is intentionally trying to stop blacks from sitting on juries by not calling them for jury duty. I was at jury duty 2 weeks ago and there were 5 to 10 african americans called, at least 5 latinos, a few asian americans, and whites. To say that they are intentionally trying to block blacks from serving on juries is a ridiculous claim that you cannot back up with any substance, only a story about your black friend who have not served but your white friends (who I hope you are not racist towards like you are us) who have.
free-
I never said the system was unfair, you did. my point was that oj’s attorney’s knew what they were doing and took their time picking jurors that would actually believe that he didn’t kill them, and the tactic worked somehow. Just because this kids lawyer did a terrible job, don’t blame the justice system. And again, in agreement with From Jena, please stop with the accusations of racism. They may hold more weight when you and ruth are able to admit that you are blatently racist towards whites but they hold none right now. A racist trying to call someone else racist doesn’t work.
Jena -I do not believe telling someone they are racist, who admits to it, makes me racist or prejudice. You are basically saying that arguing against racism and biased small town opinions makes me racist. You are saying that my references to your hiding behind an assumed name for your protection makes me racist . So is it fair to say, that by my saying those people who pulled what THEY FEEL is a “minor” prank by hanging nooses racists, I am in turm a racist for speaking up? Should I just simmah down and stay in ma place? LOL! as for anger, no small mindeness is laughable to me. You wouldnt have to hide, if you weren’t openly admitting to your racism and then trying to justify it by calling it minor. I see you could not comment on my last post in its entirety, why is that? Is a “minor” prank or a “minor” beat down not the same as “minor” racism? A sin is a sin-period. Racism is racism period. Thanks for your time ; )
This is how the legal system works:
Someone commits a crime. The DA decides whether or not to prosecute. If he decides to prosecute, he takes the defendant to court and tries to convict. The defendant gets a lawyer who will try to prove that the defendant either didn’t commit the crime or doesn’t deserve the charges which the DA has given. If the defendant can’t afford a lawyer, a court-appointed lawyer is given (hence the Miranda Rights).
The district attorney doesn’t have total control over the outcome of the case. The judge doesn’t have total control over the outcome of the case (but he does have alot). It is the DEFENSE team’s job to apply for a change in venue. Apparently the defense team didn’t do this. So who’s fault is this? Some people think this is some huge conspiracy where the judge, district attorney, and public defender have all collaborated to put these boys behind bars. The public defender admittedly SUCKED, but he was a black court-appointed lawyer. Do you expect Lasalle Parish to hire Johnny Cochrane? The truth is, when you can’t afford your own lawyer, you get a court-appointed lawyer. Whether you are white or black. If you happen to get a lousy court-appointed lawyer, you can’t blame this on Jena or anyone else. Blame it on the system. This is unfair to defendants who have very little money. The lousy public defender is because of our the way our justice system works, NOT racism.
Jena is surprisingly by the book when it comes to it’s judicial system. Now some people get off for “smaller” crimes because they know people, like DWI’s, tickets, etc. But our judicial system here is normally done by the book alot more than most towns its size.
You agree with me From Jena 2? You might know more about this than me.
Ruth:
“I do not believe telling someone they are racist, who admits to it, makes me racist or prejudice.”
I never said that. I cited several comments ago that you said I have a Klansmen attitude and philosophy about things. This is where I explained my basis for your racism. Go back and read it.
“You are basically saying that arguing against racism and biased small town opinions makes me racist.”
I never said that, either. You should argue against small town racism and bias. But you are using twisted facts that the media has given you to fuel your argument.
“You are saying that my references to your hiding behind an assumed name for your protection makes me racist .”
I never said anything CLOSE to that. I am behind an assumed name. Are you like Prince? Or Cher? Are you just “Free”? Is that your legal name?
“So is it fair to say, that by my saying those people who pulled what THEY FEEL is a “minor” prank by hanging nooses racists, I am in turm a racist for speaking up?”
Some feel that the nooses were a minor prank, but I’VE never said that. Read back on every comment I’ve made about it. I think it was very insensitive and thought the students should have been expelled. So did the principal, and SO did every other white person in town I asked. You are not arguing the nooses, though, you are arguing about other false reports from the media.
” Should I just simmah down and stay in ma place?”
That’s completely silly. You can simmah down or do whatever you want. If you want to fight racism in this country, DO IT. I agree that racism is wrong and should be fought against.
“small mindeness is laughable to me.”
IT IS TO ME, TOO!! So when I see it, I tend to argue.
“You wouldnt have to hide, if you weren’t openly admitting to your racism and then trying to justify it by calling it minor.”
I hide my identity on here because there have been death threats in town towards white jurors and other involved in the case. I prefer not getting involved with that. I’ve never “justified” my racism. I’ve simply acknowledged it and said racism needs to change, including in myself. No justification has been made, yet you keep pointing the argument towards my racism. You’re too dense to understand that it’s you as well. You’re too dense to understand that I will not go any further analyzing my racism issues until you AT LEAST acknowledge your own.
“Is a “minor” prank or a “minor” beat down not the same as “minor” racism? A sin is a sin-period. Racism is racism period”
This wasn’t a “minor” prank in my eyes, nor was this a “MINOR” beat down. I have never hung nooses, nor have I ever ganged up on a black guy and beat him senselessly with 5 of my buddies while he was unconscious. It’s clear to me which crime is the worse of the two. One involves violence, the other doesn’t. You may say the nooses “implied” violence. PROVE the intent? If the FBI could prove that the noose hangers were intending to cause violence by the act, they would have prosecuted. Go back and read that article that I put about the FBI’s findings.
“Thanks for your time”
Anytime, I’ll eagerly await your next posting.
Clarification from last posting:
I realize your name is Ruth, not Free.
From Jena, I don’t think no one is disputing what you are saying the issue is why did this go to a prosecutor or why did this go to a judge. They fought this should have been taken care of by the school board. Now if you think for one minute that this was a crime, remember when you were in school and the fights went on then do you think they were crimes. Come on guys be truthful about this. This was a case of enough is enough. Too many black kids was trying to get with the white girls the white guys got tired of that. Let’s be real here. All that’s happening could have been stopped. Jena calls itself a nice and quiet town. Why is it so much hate among the racist with the kids. Kids only learn from what they see and hear. Now I ask you where are these black kids and white kids getting this hate from? In the nice and quiet city of Jena
A-Town-
When I was in high school, I don’t recall every seeing one kid get jumped by 6 others, we allowed for fair, one on one fighting. If other kids jumped in, then everyone else jumped in an broke it up because it was no longer a fair fight. Don’t call this a normal school fight, because it is not.
From Jena-
Nice posting in regards to Ruth’s comments. It seems to me that she is attempting to sidestep the fact that you know a great deal more about this case than she does and turning this into a battle with you because she cleary is unable to debate the actual issues. This is evidenced in her claim that none of her black or minority friends have ever been called to a jury. Other ridiculous comments throughout this discussion board point to her inability to truly argue the issues. Now she has resorted to her own form of racism and is attempting to put you on trial because you oppose her view regarding this case and actually have the evidence to back your claims up. She simply makes ludacris, speculative claims. As I have now said several times, she has personal issues regarding race that she needs to address and may need to look into continuing her education so she can realize that she is misguided.
It has been argued the most racist people of the United States or black women and white men. Now if that is not true look at the blogs on here. We tend to ignore the obvious facts in this case. Mychal Bell has a past of his violent ways, but he is a teenager. He’s not killing dogs or people. Again I think the Parish has done nothing to end this situation. We talking about 6 young men and other young men doing something really silly and dumb but for him to go to jail for 20yrs over this is dumb. Now this is the kicker. I see on this blog everyone talking about race. Why isn’t no one mad about how the system has failed these young people. Again the older people who lived there don’t understand this new wave of culture and they don’t want to understand. The reason that this got so much attention is because of the internet, media and word of mouth. This is injustice, I would say this if this was a white kid or black kid but what you failed to understand it’s not a white kids it is a black kids in a white majority run city, so it will come with a lot of eyes looking. If you don’t think the crime doesn’t fit the punishment. It should be white and black people at city hall saying this is wrong. Until then whatever critizism comes with what the citizens of Jena are not doing is warrant.
A-Town-
I think most people on here agree that the punishment currently on the table is too severe. But remember, this punishment is only being handed down to one boy (with 4 priors). The problem here is that we have people seeking to donate to a scholarship fund for these boys. Ruth – “I would be interested in getting some information on that (info on donating to scholarship fund), as educating these young men and getting them out of that town seems necessary now more than ever!” I certainly don’t think we should be donating to a scholarship fund for a kid who has four priors, soon to be five. I would like to see scholarship money go to deserving young people. But hey, people actually believe Mumia shouldn’t rot away in jail, so I guess the fact that people are supporting the criminals in Jena shouldn’t come as a surprise. None of the kids, those who hung the nooses, the kid who pulled the shotgun, the kids in the fight at the barn, and the Jena 6, are at all deserving on scholarship money. They should feel fortunate if they don’t serve jail time.
A-Town:
This whole entire case has VERY little to do with white girls being hit on by black guys. There is a rumor going around town that these particular black guys had repeatedly made lewd gesturess towards white girls in the school. It’s not confirmed. Matter of fact, I won’t believe it until someone steps up and makes a statement. Whether the white guys hung the nooses to “protect” the white girls is not clear. I don’t know them so I can’t ask. If they felt something illegal or improper was happening, they made a horribly bad decision. Someone should have reported it to the faculty. So nothing about the “black guy flirting with white girl” theory is verified.
You say that there are school fights all the time. That is right, but several years ago Jena High School initiated a zero tolerance policy for fighting. Several people have been arrested since then. You fight, you go to jail, plain and simple. This is what happened to these guys, but the severity of their crimes require stiffer prosecution. I believe the severity of the crimes are more dangerous because the victim laid unconscious on the ground. Despite the attackers not knowing if he was dead or alive, they still proceeded to kick him over and over. That’s flagrant, that’s violent. That’s why I think the Jena 6 who are repeat offenders should get prison time.
Roy Ce:
I completely agree with you. That was very well-put. You are echoing the same beliefs (in my opinion) as Martin Luther King and Bill Cosby. I know that sounds funny, but I’ve heard Bill Cosby talk about these issues. He’s a great black activist with a true passion for bettering his community.
Matter of fact, I wish I could see more of what he’s said.
From Jena you wish you can see more of what nothing has change and for you to think its not about what i said you sadly mistaken I have relatives that live there and have relatives that goes to Jena High, so when i writing these things down. It’s inside info. So like said before you down play what I said. I agree with you 100% that everyone involve need to be punish in someone but I guess you guys missing the point. Do you think that puinshment fit the crime and have you ever heard about laying down and don’t move. Because obviously the young man wasn’t that hurt if the hospital let him go within a hour getting there. Look at the release report (Oh by the way I know someone that works at the hospital who treated him). No wear did it say concusion. Read the report. I like debating and I keep an open mind about everything. My question to the bloggers are you keeping an open mind.
LOOK IM AM 21 YEARS OLD AND STILL REMEMBER HIGH SCHOOL VERY WELL AND LET ME TELL YOU IM FROM A ALL BLACK SCHOOL THAT NO ONE CARED ABOUT AND FIGHTS LIKE THAT TOOK PLACE MONTHLY AND NEVER WAS THERE THIS MUCH HYPE OVER IT, AND YOU KNOW WHY? BECAUSE IT WAS BLACK KIDS WHO WERE GETTING BEAT UP BY OTHER BLACK KIDS SO IN THE LAWS EYES WE WERE DOING THEM A FAVOR, AND ONE LAST THING, DID THE COPS WHO BEAT THE LIFE OUT OF RODNEY KING KNOW IF HE WAS DYING WHILE THEY WERE BEATING HIM? AND HOW MUCH TIME DID THEY GET?EXACTLY!!!! ZERO TOLERENCE. FINE. GIVE THEM JAIL TIME BUT COME ON 7 MONTHS AND COUNTING THATS INSANE. IM SICK TO MY STOMACH ABOUT THIS AND WHEN WILL PEOPLE GROW UP RACISM IS NOT FUNNY AND YOU DONT JOKE WITH IT(NOOSES) SO ALL THOSE PEOPLE IN JENA NEED TO LOOK THEMSELVES IN THE MIRROR AND WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE, ITS 2007 NOT 1967.
Jena- I made the mistake of thinking you would actually be smart enough to understand the references I made in some of my last posts. Clearly i need to dumb it down for you! I never said you were a klansmen or had klansmen tendencies, if you go back and read again you will see that I wrote you are hiding behind your assumed name for protection, because you say there are deaththreats to those involved in the case, well are you invloved in the case? It is my belief that you are hiding behind your name (i.e. the proverbial white hood) because you are openly admitting that you are a racist. I also said you are not opposed to what the klan stands for, which I don’t believe you are. That in no way makes me a racist as I do not have the power to oppress another race and am entitled to an opinion which you have yet to successfully refute-you are racist period. If you re-read my posts again you will see how I am using the word “minor” to show you how silly it is to believe that there is such a thing as “minor” racism. READ SLOOOWLY minor racism exist as much as those nooses were a minor prank. I stated that YOU DID NOT feel those nooses were a minor prank and that they were in fact a large part of the problem. My point in comparing the “minor” racism you claim to have, to the “minor” prank or the “minor” beating is that those people who did it, may think that their racism is only minor as well. It is ludacris to use the word minor in any of these scenarios, racism is racism, the nooses are a clear signal (I wish you would try to deny that), and the kid was beaten up, but that does not warrant the punishment that the DA is trying to give these kids.
On another note you posted: “There is a rumor going around town that these particular black guys had repeatedly made lewd gesturess towards white girls in the school. It’s not confirmed. Matter of fact, I won’t believe it until someone steps up and makes a statement….So nothing about the “black guy flirting with white girl” theory is verified. ”
You were the first person to use this arguement about the white girls being harrassed, and now you don’t believe it? You actually presented these girls as part of your arguement more than once, but I took the liberty of adding one of your posts (4) because clearly you can’t even remember your arguements. “This article also doesn’t mention something else: many of the white females at Jena High School were complaining about this particular group of black guys who were being overly flirtatious w/ them (pinching their butts). These black guys sat under this tree to get close to the girls so they could flirt with them some more.”
Ruth-
I think we all have to “dumb down” our arguments when addressing you. Telling a white person that is not involved with the klan to slip out from under his hood is a racist comment. I don’t know how your posts continue to make it onto the board with you blatantly attacking From Jena. You have no knowledge of this case, clearly, and continue to make arguments based soley on your hatred of white american and small towns in the south where apparently lines are drawn in the sand to separate the blacks from the whites. You are criticizing a town you have never been to, a person you have never met, and a country that at this point provides every possible opportunity for African Americans via affirmative action. Again, STOP ATTACKING PEOPLE ON THIS MESSAGE BOARD. You accuse people of hiding behind fake names while you sit behind a computer and attack Free Jena. This whole board has turned completely towards a discussion of racism and based on your idiotic comments, it is clear that we need to begin to address racism from blacks towards whites.
Ruth-
“You may not be a Klansmen, but you sure aren’t opposed to what they stand for.”
This is a racist comment…the first step in getting help is admitting you have a problem. I think it would be great if you could acknowledge the underlying problems you have with white America and your latant racist beliefs. It would benefit you in the long wrong. Stop viticmizing these boys and the African American race, it will get you nowhere in the long run.
Ruth:
When I first logged into this website my comments were less factual and based more on hearsay. I admit I have changed my stance on that issue (and others). Until some document shows that this actually happened, I try to put it out of my mind. I realize now moreso than before that if I’m to convince people in this chat room that people like you are wrong about the facts in this case, then I will have to rely on facts and eye witness statements. That’s what I’m sticking to at this point. Am I allowed to change my opinion?
…and still..where is your admission to racial tendencies? Again, I will not further discuss my admitted MINOR racial issues unless you are willing to. You’ll get no more empathy from me until you do!
“I made the mistake of thinking you would actually be smart enough to understand the references I made in some of my last posts. Clearly i need to dumb it down for you!”
I clearly refuted your entire last posting. You’ve been “dumbing” everything you’ve said so far.
“You may not be a Klansmen, but you sure aren’t opposed to what they stand for.”
This is what you put in a previous post. You STILL haven’t pointed out the similarities between my beliefs and the KKK’s. Go ahead, I’m all ears….since this topic is completely focused on MY prejudices and not yours.
“because you say there are death threats to those involved in the case, well are you involved in the case?”
I am not involved in the case because I choose to remain anonymous. Posting my name in a message board that is viewed by just about anyone who punches in “Jena 6″ in Google isn’t very wise of me. Despite what YOU may think, many in the WHITE community feel oppressed in Jena right now, because black people from other towns have come in and started trouble. An attack on a guy occurred a couple of weeks ago. He’s in serious condition right now. I’ll make sure and report it on here when the facts become clear. I blame all of this on the media and propagandists who are using misinformation to anger people.
“It is my belief that you are hiding behind your name (i.e. the proverbial white hood) because you are openly admitting that you are a racist.”
You haven’t openly admitted anything, nor have you uttered a WORD about your feelings about the white community. I see a pattern developing. Look at the Fair Barn incident, a WHITE man pleaded to misdemeanor assault. He ADMITTED that he started the fight and pleaded guilty. But SIX black students beat one white student while unconscious with FORTY written statements saying they did it, yet THEY plead innocent. Makes you wonder. People should take responsibility for their own actions and feelings, no matter WHAT race you are. I have admitted mine…have you?
My name is Freda, I go by the name and a way to express myself. I am not hiding behind a computer, as I have no need to. As far as my being racist I am far from it, I have no power or intention to hold any race of people down, as a human being I would never sit on an all black jury and try anyone, I treat all people the same until they show me differently, as I feel about a lot of the whites in the town of Jena. I can admit that I do have some prejudices even among my own race. I am prejudice in the fact that I believe that a good number of white people do not even try to understand why blacks feel like they do in America. I do feel that a lot try to down play our experiences here, as I stated in my last post I could post a list of injustices, which I just may do after I get home from work. I do believe that there are so many family links and ties to racism in this small community that, people will lie to the FBI and anyone else to keep themselves or their friends and family out of trouble. Not one racist person in this town is going to voluntarily step up and say to the FBI that yes we jumped a kid at the fair barn, or yes the DA spoke to black students, or yes this boy was taunting and openly using the N- word in school, Yes I pulled a gun on a group of blacks just because they are black, no more so than I would expect the black students involved to just roll over on each other. That is the main reason why I don’t give much weight to the FBI’s opinion, tell them what they want to hear and they will go away. As far as the jury I am still wanting to know why non of these people were punished for not showing up for jury duty. I am sure there are some good white people in Jena many have spoken up and have not tried to claim this is some little oasis amongst all the big cities. Many have spoken out although I have yet to hear from one black in Jena that has stated these boys are trouble makers and they do not support them. If these people are being silent, I wonder why?. I am prejudice in the fact that I think all white people think that all black people think you owe us something. I am prejudice in the fact that I believe that if I get pulled over by a white male police officer, I may get charged falsely, beaten, or raped. I think that based on the history of what white police officers have done to my ancestors in the past, It is a prejudice that I do not want to have to live with, but feel I must to survive. I have got to go to work now, but I will be back to conclude my post.
Free-
“I am prejudice in the fact that I think all white people think that all black people think you owe us something. I am prejudice in the fact that I believe that if I get pulled over by a white male police officer, I may get charged falsely, beaten, or raped. I think that based on the history of what white police officers have done to my ancestors in the past, It is a prejudice that I do not want to have to live with, but feel I must to survive.”
It is funny that you begin the post by claiming to not be racist then end with this lovely tidbit. If sentiments like those don’t paint you as a racist towards white, I don’t know what does.
Hey family…well I guess reality has set in. I am all into the case involving the 6 young black boys being tried as adults for an assault against a white boy in LA.
This has hit me to the core – to imagine that racism is still prevalent in today society. I remember the case surfacing a couple months ago, but I was too high on our family reunion, that I just forgot about the case until people started speaking out against it.
I was listening to Steve Harvey show this morning and they had one of the young boys father on, and he was telling us the story that led up to the event. So sad to hear that the other students – who happened to be white are being taught racism in this day and time…and the District Attorney who made the statement “I can be your best friend or your worst enemy… I can take away your lives with a stroke of my pen.”
I listen to stories that my father talked about growing up in the south and the things he and his brothers had to endure, and that hurt me to the core. The way black men and women are treated, the way they were beaten and some killed.
I don’t know the all facts that led to this white boy getting jumped on, but the ones that are being discussed leads me to believe that this society only see wrong when a black person is defending themselves. Not all white people are “evil” or racist, but to be taught to hate other races is crazy.
Some of the information I am hearing and you have to read it to believe it: The “white” tree in they school yard, the noose hanging from the tree, the confrontation, the protest, the DA coming to the school for “meeting” with all students, the comments that was made to the black students, the beat down that one of the black boys received – and NO ONE was arrested, the harassment at the convenient store, the fight, recovery and the arrest of the boys -
see: http://www.colorofchange.org/jena/main.html and click full story.
No one can ever say “this will never happen to me” or “why would a person do what they do” but in that split second, we make a decision and we react. There have been many occasions when I have wanted to ’slap’ a person in their face (color doesn’t matter to me at this moment) for a comment that they make – and by the way, they will never understand how I am feeling, but I control myself and pray….I got to. But I can truly understand how they (the boys)feel.
When you get the opportunity – read the stories written on the web and make a judgment for yourself and then see if you feel the pain that these young boys are feeling and the heartbreak that their parents are feeling.
You sister, cousin and friend
Alicia
Free:
Thank you so much for posting that.
It takes alot to admit your prejudices. I can understand how you feel the way you do. This is how we’re gonna work through society’s racial issues.
I’ll talk more about this later. Just wanted to tell you I appreciate you admitting those things.
To the person from Jena that posted above. I was glad to hear the other side, and I realize you do not consider yourself racist, but I have to say that your prejudice was showing in your reply. I’m sure you “wave” at black people all the time, but to act as if the boys were guilty of something because you think they were sitting under the tree to try and hit on the girls? THis is 2007! Teenage boys hit on teenage girls. And black boys hit on white girls just like white boys do. Would it be inappropriate if the white boys hit on the girls? I don’t think so. The manner in which you made the comment made everyone very aware of how the circumstances are in Jena. It’s like the 60’s all over again. I pray for your town…both the blacks and the white. God Bless.
Ruth:
Actually, that has come up on numerous threads and by quite a few people, to the point that I posted on it here. So From Jena is by far not the first person to comment about it. Go read the archives.
And lay off the personal attacks – that goes for everybody. If you can’t make your argument without a personal attack, you have a weak, pitiful argument and you should have a nice cup of STFU while the grownups comment. Keep it up and you’ll get a “time-out” in the form of a banning. I block the worst of the comments, and it’s very hard to know where to draw the line, but basically if you don’t want it said to you, don’t say it to others. If this continues we’ll go to a registration system which is a pain for everybody.
From Jena: Reports on those 40 statements were very contradictory. I’m looking forward to reading them myself, but unless they’re in perfect agreement, you ought to reconsider the way you characterize them.
Everybody: If you have comments, post them in this Jena 6 open thread.
I think you should all read Cane River and Red River, both by Lalita Tademy. After reading both those books, nothing that has happened in Jena during this whole episode surprises me. It is what it is. Do I think the court system did it’s job, of course they did, to the absoulte letter. Do I think they followed the letter of the law because the perpetrators were black boys? ABSOLUTELY.