Has The Jena Six Movement Lost Its Momentum?

Four of the Jena Six were back in court today, and protests were planned in cities across the nation. Bryant Purvis — you might remember him from the BET Hip Hop Awards red carpet — was the last of the group to be arraigned. He pleaded not guilty; his lawyer said he was 30 feet away from the brawl when it happened.

There hasn't been much buzz on the blogs or, well, anywhere about this. Are we over the Jena Six? This was one of the topics I discussed today on NPR's News & Notes Blogger Roundtable, along with Desmond Burton of AfroNerd and Baratunde Thurston of Jack & Jill Politics, both of whom are very smart and funny. We also chatted whether it means anything that Frank Lucas and Nicky Barnes endorsed of Rudy Giuliani. Our consensus: No.

You can listen to it here.

Nov 7, 2007 · posted by Lauren Williams, Stereohyped · Link · 5 Responses

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Tagged: Baratunde Thurston, Desmond Burton, Lauren, NPR, Rudy Giuliani

Comments (5)

No. 1 · blackmistressdiva

I think the boys showing up at the BET awards and the one showing up on youtube making it rain with donated money may have soured the cause for some people.

Posted: Nov 7, 2007 at 6:27 pm

No. 2 · NoirFemme

Gotta agree. If the boys came out of this like Genarlow Wilson, wanting to use their tribulations to inspire others and work on a change, there would be more attention…

Posted: Nov 7, 2007 at 6:51 pm

No. 3 · NoirFemme

…not saying that everyone has to be a vigilante if they're caught in mess, but the Jena boys seemed to treat this like their moment for stardom.

Posted: Nov 7, 2007 at 6:52 pm

No. 4 · Dawn

More information has surfaced about the Jena 6 and exposed a lot of lies told by the Jena 6 and their family members. Fact is the Jena 6 are guilty of a premeditated gang attack on a classmate on school gounds and punishment is due. Also, it appears that their parents have purchased some expensive items like cars and furniture with donated money intended for legal defense.

Posted: Nov 8, 2007 at 12:08 pm

No. 5 · blackmistressdiva

I believe the the initial cause was just. They were being treated unfairly and too harshly, but now "the movement" must say that they are no longer a worthy cause and then find something that is. There are plenty of things we can put the same amount of energy into.

Posted: Nov 8, 2007 at 12:45 pm

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