Mychal Bell’s conviction has been overturned. I’m a few days late to this one because I’ve been internet-less all weekend. So it was a nice Monday-morning surprise.
But the fight for justice for the Jena Six isn’t over. The Thin Black Duke tells us that the rally scheduled for September 20th is still on. He also offers a list of things you can do if you can’t make the rally:
Everyone should wear either black or green on the 20th. Black will symbolize “strength and mourning,” while green will symbolize “growth and surpassing hate.” Take your pick. You can’t go wrong with either color. Many folks are suggesting that you walk out of your job or class in support, but I’ve always found those suggestions to be slightly classist. There are a lot of folks that are down with the cause that simply can’t afford to do something like that, and I can’t get mad at someone for wanting to keep food on the table. Activists and their families gotta eat too, y’know.
And he links to Color of Change, which offers more suggestions for the Day of Action:
Flyering
Early next week, we’ll provide flyers that you can download and print that will give background on the Jena 6 case and actions folks can take to support the Jena 6. On the 20th, you can pass them out, set up a table in a public place, or post the flyers in local businesses or in other public places.
We’ll also provide a quarter-sheet version of the flyer, so if you’re wearing a Jena 6 t-shirt, you can have flyers in your pocket, ready to pass to everyone who asks about your shirt.
Phone Calls
On the 20th, you’ll be able to use our call tool to make calls to Louisiana officials, stepping up pressure on the Governor and making it clear she needs to act now. You can make as few or many calls as you like. All you need is your computer and your phone—the tool provides you with the phone numbers and the call script.
Vigils, Rallies, & Meetups
One of the most powerful ways to take action is by organizing or participating in a rally, meet-up, or vigil. These events truly bring people together as a community, and they often attract local press which is great for making more people aware of the situation. Vigils could happen the evening of the 19th or the day of 20th. Rallies can happen before work, at lunchtime, or at the end of the workday. Easier to plan, but no less important, would be a meet-up, where you and others get together in a high traffic spot in your community to raise awareness and spread the word with flyers and/or to engage folks in writing postcards for the young men and their families.
Head over there and see how you can help.