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by A.man.I

The National Association of Black Journalists, and the Afrosphere Bloggers Association has the same request for mainstream media: Cover the Jena 6. It’s a case that is raising awareness of the good ole’ southern injustice that appears to still exist in the United States.

Newly elected NABJ president Barbara Ciara is now urging all media to dig deep, and tell this story. The NABJ released this statement:

“The court’s decision in the “Jena 6″ case has the potential to be ground-breaking and shift attitudes about race and justice in the United States. It is critical that news organizations cover this court proceeding with the same dedication and persistence that is given to stories such as the upcoming presidential elections and the recent trouble surrounding the Atlanta Falcon’s Michael Vick.”

The AfroSphere Bloggers Association also wants the media to do a better job of covering this story. Today has been named ‘A Day of Blogging for Justice’ by the ABA which is group of socially conscious bloggers that represent the African Diaspora (My Urban Report is a member).

Though bloggers have been actively writing about the issue, the Afrosphere Jena 6 Coalition is asking mainstream media to step up to the plate and provide more coverage as well.

“This issue, like Katrina, highlights how some people receive deference in treatment over others. “The Jim Crow style racism and government negligence, reflected in the Jena 6 case, are both quite worrisome.”

If you haven’t heard about what’s going on in Jena Louisiana, here’s the rundown. Back in September 2006, a black high school student asked to sit under a tree at Jena High School. It wasn’t just any tree though; it was a tree where white students traditionally gathered only. The next day three nooses were found hanging from it.

Tension on campus built up after this incident, and in December, a fight broke out after a white student allegedly taunted a group of Black students with racial slurs. The result – a beat down. What happened next? Six Black students were charged with attempted murder.

On June 28, 2007 one of the black students was convicted of aggravated second-degree battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated second-degree battery. He faces up to 22 years in prison. The five other defendants are set to go to trial soon.

Of course there are two sides to every story, but we’re talking about a small rural town in the south that is still divided by racial lines, and an all white jury (in the first trial at least).

I encourage you to check the reported facts for yourself, and tell me what you think.

Link to Jena 6 Defense Fund.