For some reason, I thought Los Angeles area gangbangers had caused a commotion within the Crenshaw Boulevard thoroughfare of the "Black Township." That was not the case as I drove by the area running series of errands. It was the "Jena 6" rally to protest Jena, Louisiana District Attorney Reed Walters charging of six black students with second degree attempted murder for a fight that occured in school premises. A boys will be boys fight notably of teens growing up turns out racial in Jena, Louisiana.
Good thing, I was able to get a glimpse of the action and seeing all the TV trucks with cameras and microwaves recording and reporting the demonstrations, I couldn't but park my car on the huge 25 Cents an hour metered parking lot to get a piece of the action.
Thousands trooped in black to show their support with placards reading "Free the Jena Six," "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," "Slavery is over and racism is back," "No more Jim Crowe Laws," sending a powerful message that America should live up to its creed.
The traffic jam could be seen all the way from the Washington Boulevard Corridor stretching to the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall to Degnan Blvd. at 43rd Street where Leimert Park sits. Meanwhile, as the peaceful demonstration was carried out without incident, vendors and store owners around Leimert Park area made brisk business selling t-shirts and other accessories to show support for the Jena 6 and their families. To be honest, I have not seen a rally in recent times where black folks came out enmasse, united to protest the trial of a seventeen year old convicted in an adult court by an all white jury for something that doesn't make sense.
I was really impressed with the move, the togetherness shown by a community that wants freedom and justice to prevail in a democratic society.To help support the Jena 6 you can sign the petition at Color Of Change and make a donation to the legal defense fund, or buy a "Free the Jena 6" t-shirt. You can also call the Louisiana State Governor at 866-366-1121, or 225-342-7015, telling her to use her executive powers to intervene in the case. There is also the Free The Jena 6 website where you can donate, follow the case, take action and support the cause.
