JENA, Louisiana (CNN) -- Thousands of protesters clogged the
tiny town of Jena, Louisiana, Thursday to show their indignation over
what they consider unjust, unequal punishments meted out in two
racially charged incidents.
by Wade Goodwyn July 30, 2007 ·
As at hundreds of other high schools across America, black and white
students at Jena High School in Jena, La., rarely sit together. The
white students gather under a big shade tree in the courtyard, while
black students congregate near the auditorium.. Listen
We speak with the parents of three of the 'Jena Six' - the black high school students charged with attempted murder for a school fight in which a white student was beaten up. We are joined by Caseptla Bailey, the mother of Robert Bailey and Tina Jones, the mother of Bryant Purvis - both of their sons are awaiting trial on charges of attempted second degree murder and conspiracy. We also speak with Marcus Jones, his son, Mychal Bell, was the first of the Jena Six to go on trial. He was convicted just over a week ago of aggravated battery and conspiracy. He faces up to 22 years in prison when he is sentenced on July 31st. [includes rush transcript]
Six black students at Jena High School in Central Louisiana were
arrested last December after a school fight in which a white student
was beaten and suffered a concussion and multiple bruises. The six
black students were charged with attempted murder and conspiracy. They
face up to 100 years in prison without parole. The fight took place
amid mounting racial tension after a black student sat under a tree in
the schoolyard where only white students sat. The next day three nooses
were hanging from the tree. [includes rush transcript]
Six black teens have been charged with the beating of a white high school student in the rural town of Jena, La. Jordan Flaherty, a journalist living in New Orleans, and Caseptla Bailey, the mother of one of the defendants, give an update on the case.
Listen
