Jena 6: New AP article
July 5, 2007 by Laura | Trackback URI
For more background on the Jena Six start here.
The Associated Press’ Mary Foster has another Jena Six article: Race is talk of small Louisiana town
No real news, but it’s an interesting snapshot of the town, with more background on people’s attitudes on race.
“I don’t think we’re racist here,” barber shop owner Billy Doughty, 70, said. “People work together, go to school together. We never talk about race.”
But Doughty does not cut black men’s hair. Never has, never will. He tells that to the occasional black would-be customer.
“That’s the thing about working for yourself,” he said. “I don’t do shaves. I don’t do shampoos. I don’t cut black hair. I don’t think it’s racist. I just don’t do it.”
And that, many black people say, is the key to race relations here — you’ll get along as long as you don’t want much.
“This is a good town to live in for things like no crime, it being peaceful,” said Caseptla Bailey, whose son is facing attempted murder charges. “But it’s very racist and they don’t even try to hide it. It’s like, stay in your place or else.”
This case is simply appalling.
I have recently written a blog on the Jena 6 which should be up on the Advancement Project website come early next week.
The events blew me away. I am also suprised by the lack of domestic media coverage on this story.
Although the BBC did a expose, where is the outcry on US media outlets? I am proud to be a blogger right now- it seems much of the media hits for Jena 6 are from people taking this into their own hands and spreading the word.
I am still trying to find the best way to get involved. I have called the NBC and the ACLU and emailed The Jena 6 Defense Committee. I want to be as active as I can in this critical moment in Civil Rights and American history. If anyone klnows of any good forming organizations that are taking volunteers, let us know.
From my research I found some helpful links:
Get Involved:
An Excellent Timeline of Events for Reference:
http://friendsofjustice.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/responding_to_the_crisis_in_jena1.doc
Sign this Online Petition
http://www.petitiononline.com/aZ51CqmR/petition.html
The Jena 6 Defense Committee
PO Box 2798, Jena, LA 71342
jena6defense@gmail.com
Friends of Justice
507 North Donley Avenue
Tulia, TX 79088
http://www.fojtulia.org
ACLU of Louisiana
PO Box 56157
New Orleans, LA 70156
http://www.laaclu.org
417.350.0536.
BBC Article
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/this_world/6685441.stm
Jeep Spreading the Word!
Our Civil Rights is not Over Yet!
-Clare Bakota
Advancement Project