Yesterday, Mychael Bell was released from jail, after finally being allowed to post $45,000 bail. I see Bell’s release and upcoming trial in juvenile court as a positive sign — in my opinion the whole issue of the Jena 6 was not that these boys were in the right — a beating DID occur, and they certainly should be held accountable for their actions. But this boy should never have been charged as an adult. Finally, there is hope that the punishment will fit the crime.
Read more on Concrete Loop, and if you’re closely following the case, watch today’s episode of Dr. Phil, which will focus exclusively on the case. Dr. Phil is heading to Jena to hear both sides of the story. I also read this interesting and nuanced article on Slate.com, that criticizes those who identify the Jena 6 protests as a reawakening of the civil rights movement.
There are so many divergent and controversial perspectives on this issue in our community. I personally enjoy reading opposing perspectives on this issue, I like an intelligent debate. I don’t agree with everything in that Slate article, but I think it’s really important to think critically, and really research these issues from as many perspectives as possible before falling into lockstep with any prevailing opinion.
I wish a peaceful weekend to all the residents of Jena, Louisiana.
I agree with you, sis when you say that although these boys weren’t in the right, that they didn’t deserve this type of punishment. They should have gotten your average 3 day suspension.
However, this goes to show that one should stay out of trouble because you can never know what it will lead to. We already see how this fight was blown way out of proportion…and to think that this all began with a tree.
Blacks got together good on this, but I told someone the other day how it would be nice for us blacks to get together on other issues like better education for our children in schools. I wonder…would that even get the same response as this Jena 6 issue? Would people go around throwing hip hop concerts, march, and create/sell t-shirts to help this movement?
I think I have another idea coming on…
And they shouldn’t even have had to pay $45,000 over this! Does one know all the other things $45,000 could buy? Half of that price can buy a new, unused car. Some of that could buy school supplies for children. The possibilities are endless.
In a way, these racists have won because of that. They should have released him at no cost. We still have tons of work to do.
so true Nappy Star. I’m glad that he is out but as I have always said, this is no milestone in civil rights history.
This Michael kid looks like my younger brother. I don’t know, for some reason, this picture really moves me. I just keep thinking, wow, this could have been my brother.
I hope he learns from this though.
I hope the same thing, edesse. I hope all our little brothers look at this and think seriously how an act can affect their future, because as was said, there is still tons of work to do.
Since many people came out and marched, I sure hope Mychael Bell will stay out of trouble. Some people were wondering why he was the only one being held in jail for a while without bail. Well the fight violated his probation from his previous problems with the law. But in no way should he be convicted to go to jail for 20 something years for a schoolyard fight.
I also hope that the people who care about this cause will look into mentoring young people to keep them on the right path.
i agree with you, when you say that those boy should still be punished(sp) the only thing that makes this a controversy is the fact the boys were tried as adults. other than they should get they butts whooped for beating that boy the way they did. at least make it a fair fight the white boy to one of the black boys. but all of them on that one boy.(but that white boy did need his @$$ beat). but they shoulda been fair with it that is the ONLY reason i think they should be punished.
Good to hear some positive news from this case
This is a neat storypost.