READY TO MARCH: List of items to bring to Jena

[admin]

Be ready to march! Here is a list of items to bring with you if you are traveling to the Protest and Rally in Jena, LA.

WHAT TO BRING:

1. Valid Photo ID
2. Visor or baseball cap
3. Clean T-shirt
4. Comfortable shoes or tennis shoes and extra socks
5. Water, vitamin drink, snacks (non perishable)
6. Cash
7. Emergency contact info to include medical conditions, therapy, allergies etc.
8. List of any medicines you take and allergies
9. Medication in original prescription bottle
10. Cell phone, extra cell phone battery
11. Travel size toothpaste and toothbrush
12. Travel size mouthwash
13. Travel size deodorant
14. Black top or attire for the 20th
15. Sunscreen
16. Wet wipes for hygiene
17. Medical Insurance card
18. Small blanket and small pillow
19. Water spritzer with fan
20. Small cooler with items that include water and snacks
21. Portable Chairs
22. Bug spray or insect repellant
23. Small first aid kit

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS:

- Keep your money and I'D on you and not in your pocketbook
- Keep your cell phone on you
- Find some one to buddy with
- Get to know a few people from your bus
- Be careful where you eat
- Always pack an umbrella

SUGGESTIONS FOR BUS DRIVERS:

- Drive the speed limit
- Make sure you are well rested
- Take a roll call of who is on your bus when you leave for LA, makes sure to take a roll call and the way back and make sure everyone is
accounted for.

[triple-t]

Mike/juan

I Sent The E-mail Last Week. Have Not Gotten A Reply Back Yet. I Have My Own Tracor And Trailer For Use Down To The March. I'm Out Of The D.c. Area I Can Haul Food, Water, Equipment, Whatever. Need Reply Asap 202-957-1296

[dena45]

I commend you for what you are doing and I can not wait to get there.

[NBE407]

It is important that we do not purchase ANYTHING while in Jena. Please make sure you have everything you need BEFORE you enter Jena, or wait until you leave.

It is my understanding that business owners have doubled their supplies expecting the protestors to come into their shops and spend our hard earn money. I THINK NOT!

[manyangels300]

I think that everyone should take a small unbrella it may not rain but you never know or you could use the umbrella to keep the sun off of you

[ginnie]

I agree!! Do not put a dime into their economy. I am sure the whole town is just waiting for everyone to spend their money. Please, do not do so unless it is an emergency. If you are going to spend money in Louisiana, spend it at your point of entry, places such as Alexandria, Pineville, Shreveport, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Monroe, etc., anywhere but Jena. I will be looking out for all of you guys. Peace, Love, and A Great Big Hug!!!!!

[kimholloway99]

I think we should all carry a small first aid kit as well

[nomoidoagain]

What about nametags? Does anyone think that is necessary? I would love to meet some of the people I have been chatting with over the phone trying to get there.......

[zion]

I am looking for a few people who would like to go to Jena.

I can fit 7 people in my vehicle. I am willing to drive, if I can get a few people who also don't mind driving a bit, and is willing to split the cost of gas.

I need to hear from those interested ASAP as in by sometime this afternoon (Tuesday, Sept. 18).

Please email me at:

pastorsmward@yahoo.com


When emailing me, please include your contact info. (Phone Number) so that I may call you and set up the travel plans.

Thanks

[brownatural]

It will be really important to bring your own supplies, water, & food items because many of the businesses are boarding up their businesses and are closing for the rally.

From the Local News station:
http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=7090573

[ctina5358]

I have one packed and also some hand sanitizer, disinfectant and any allergy med's.


QUOTE=kimholloway99;22329]I think we should all carry a small first aid kit as well[/QUOTE]

[manyangels300]

What about nametags? Does anyone think that is necessary? I would love to meet some of the people I have been chatting with over the phone trying to get there.......

I think name tags are a great idea. Your name, city, and state!

[macemore]

Love the idea. I'm going to bring a box so I can share!!

[vrroomdog]

Considering many of us are not from LA, please provide the station we should tune in once in Alexandria/Jena LA to follow and hear the Michael Baisden show.

Vrroom Dog
President - Big Dog Riders
Raleight - Durham, NC
bigdogriders.com (http://www.bigdogriders.com)

[ginnie]

Considering many of us are not from LA, please provide the station we should tune in once in Alexandria/Jena LA to follow and hear the Michael Baisden show.

Vrroom Dog
President - Big Dog Riders
Raleight - Durham, NC
bigdogriders.com (http://www.bigdogriders.com)
93.9 FM from Alexandria to Jena

[jacquebabe5968]

What happens if we get all the way to Alexandria and there are no more busses to Jena!?!?!?!:confused: :confused: :confused:

[Lady T]

Where can I find information on how to view the movement live from Jena. Will there be a Webcast?

[CREOLEDIVA]

IF YOU ALL ARE BRINGING YOUR CHILDREN I THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO MAKE SURE TO HAVE AN EXTRA CHANGE OF CLOTHES AND UNDERWEAR WITH YOU ESP. FOR THE LITTLE ONES....I UNDERSTAND THERE ARE SUPPOSE TO BE PORTA POTTIES ON HAND BUT THERE WILL BE SO MANY PEOPLE THERE IT MAY BE HARD TO MAKE IT THROUGH ALL THE PEOPLE AND ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN.........

[MarieG]

It is important that we do not purchase ANYTHING while in Jena. Please make sure you have everything you need BEFORE you enter Jena, or wait until you leave.

It is my understanding that business owners have doubled their supplies expecting the protestors to come into their shops and spend our hard earn money. I THINK NOT!

Not to mention some sickos may try to knock off a whole bunch of us. or making us very sick by tainting the food & drinks

Peace & Blessings

[elizabeth35]

It is important that we do not purchase ANYTHING while in Jena. Please make sure you have everything you need BEFORE you enter Jena, or wait until you leave.

It is my understanding that business owners have doubled their supplies expecting the protestors to come into their shops and spend our hard earn money. I THINK NOT!

You should rethink because it is so not true. most business are losing money
because they fear this is not going to peaceful and they are closing their
doors. By not purchasing anything in jena you are not helping the BOYS you
are there for. Taxes pay for public schools for their families if not them. You
are just hurting the economy that supports them, go figure! I hope no one gets ill because that means a long drive to alexandria for medical help. Think
about things.

[elizabeth35]

Not to mention some sickos may try to knock off a whole bunch of us. or making us very sick by tainting the food & drinks

Peace & Blessings

just that statement is very prejudiced WHAT are you marching for anyway.
If anyone knocks You off it will be your own kind because no one else will
be there, the sickos that we are we do have jobs.

[precious richardson]

A little advice for the family hoping I can help someone:


1 - The mosquitoes here have been known to bite through clothes. So either dress in thin layers or 1 thick layer and spray everything with repellant spray including your clothing this will give you an extra layer of protection that will last a while longer if you sweat .

2 - Its is very humid bring lots of liquids water is best and apple juice helps with asthma and some other breathing conditions. Bring a salty snack pretzels are great as they can tide over your hunger and help replenish the salts lost from sweating .

3 - PLEASE WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT, do the speed limit, if you can avoid it don’t hold your cell and please have proof of insurance ready. I live in Alexandria and travel to Mississippi almost every weekend its better to be safe than sorry.

4-- Don’t forget the sun screen darker skinned people can get skin cancer as well.


WISHING I WAS THERE AND HOPING TO SAVE SOMEONE
PRECIOUS

[lovable_destiny]

We shouldn't purchase anything in the entire state, according to my aunt who marched in the 60's. She said that the state doesn't condemn these actions then they support these actions, so don't buy anything in LA at all.

Just like a party is BYOBB, Bring ya own shyt to the state! They should not make a dime off of any of us! Think about how they treat people during Katrina.

We should go and march there next! Maybe that will make them rebuild the ninth ward.

[lovable_destiny]

Their economy deserves what it gets. They will think twice about the way they treat our people. We should support any black businesses located in Jena!!

You should rethink because it is so not true. most business are losing money
because they fear this is not going to peaceful and they are closing their
doors. By not purchasing anything in jena you are not helping the BOYS you
are there for. Taxes pay for public schools for their families if not them. You
are just hurting the economy that supports them, go figure! I hope no one gets ill because that means a long drive to alexandria for medical help. Think
about things.

[precious richardson]

the radio station in alexandria is 93.9 fm but I'm not sure if it is clear all the way though

[DaniFlanny]

Dr. King walked from Selma...Katrina victims tried to walk out...Walking to New Orleans is the song Fats sang...

[soulfuel2]

Hey I'm new to mingle city. And will be on the bus.
I would just like to say how truly proud I am.
How thankful I am. And angry I am. About the circumstances
surroundig this endeavor. However it is so wonderful for a people
to once again walk and not just talk.


GOD BLESS

[soulfuel2]

Hey I'm new to mingle city. And will be on the bus.
I would just like to say how truly proud I am.
How thankful I am. And angry I am. About the circumstances
surroundig this endeavor. However it is so wonderful for a people
to once again walk and not just talk.


GOD BLESS

[Hamilcar Barca]

Taxes pay for public schools for their families if not them. You
are just hurting the economy that supports them, go figure! I hope no one gets ill because that means a long drive to alexandria for medical help. Think
about things.

These same taxes you speak of pay the salary of the school administration that allowed all this to begin with. These same taxes you speak of pay the salary of the police that wrongly arrested/charged and locked up these young men. These same taxes you speak of pay the salary of the of the court clerk, judge, prosecutor and bailiff that played a part in the wrongful conviction of these young men.
If we are going to look at something please stand back far enough so that you may see the big picture, if not then you will only be speaking on something from a limited point of view and believe me that is not good.

[sultry]

:) I commend you Michael Baisden on all of your efforts in bringing your show to Louisiana as well as your staff. Hopefully this will make a great inpact on the situation that is going on in that city. Unfortunately , I am not going to be able to make the trip but my prayers and support is with each and every one of you. May God keep and protect you all and cover you with his blood while you are there. I cannot tell you enough how much this means to me as a black woman with 2 sons and 1 grandson. You are certainly making your position in the radio work for the good of the people. When you are in a position to make a difference I feel as though it should be utilized like you are doing. You're very much appreciated and thanks a lots for all that you do and keep on doing what you are doing. I do feel that you are instrumental in pulling this thing off. Please be careful and stay prayed up and stay strong while you all are down there. I hope you all have a safe trip there and back. you have all my support.
Sultry

[soulfuel2]

How beautiful would it be. since we are already in Louisiana.
If nearly 40,000 people could desend on New orleans and rebuild it?
Wonder If the government would allocate money for that. Or Maybe
borrow it from Iraq?

[breita]

If you must purchase something in Jena...please do so from Black owned businesses...they want this march in anticipation of making a lot of money for their economy. We're not stupid!

[priceless1]

As I sit here at working trying to get caught up for tomorrow, I decided to take a break to make sure that I had a list of items to make sure I bring for my journey from Memphis down to Jena. Looking at all the comments on this thread, my eyes are filling up with tears of joy and pride.
I have been waiting for a day like today. When my fellow brothers, sisters, cousins and family would unite to serve a cause worth serving.

After reading comments such as the person from Oh who is in search of others needing transportation, and others providing contact information for people to reach them, really warms my heart.

For those of us who are fortunate enough, brave enough, and strong enough, I cant wait to see you down there.

For the others that did not have the opportunity to ride down, but will support the cause at home - Thank you and please, please Pray For us All....

[raisingtaylor]

I commend you all for sheading light on this situation and rallying the people together to fight the good fight. But answer me this with all the star power and star money that you all have why are these boys still in jail? None of you have thought enough of them to post bail? You all beat the drum for your own publicty and if you happen to help someone along the way great. Not saying your acts arent genuine. I just can't understand why these boys still sit in jail while you all jump up and down in front of the camera and yell out over the airwaves. I'm not telling anyone what to do with their money but you do get the bond back at the end of court and if you don't so what. Sometimes we have to sacriface for our people most of you have come into your success because of the support of your own. Give more than your lip service. Bond these boys out and get them real attorneys. Matter of fact some attorney should do this pro bono just because it the right thing to do. I'm in my black tomorrow and I'm praying for theses families and everyone that can make the trip. I don't hate other races but I am fond of my own BLACK POWER.

[lesheashelton]

you say that you are coming to rally and fight the judicaial system and that your not coming to hurt the citizens of the town. if you were just coming to rally and have equal justice then it wouldnt matter were you spend your money. the town and the people that live here everyday have not done anything wrong but in turn you are hurting our economy not the judicial system. and i think that is wrong. but that is okay because everything will be closed and we dont need your money to survive. we will be okay after this is all over and done with. so keep your money and spend it else where. we the citizens of lasalle parish still have to live here after you leave and you are just making it harder to live here by coming in with all this racial dispute. everything was fine until al sharpton and jesse jackson came here and it has all been blew out of porportion. thank you for everything you have done for this community nothing at all.

[raisingtaylor]

How in the hell can you say we have done your community some type of injustice. No we won't support your business and if it didn't matter why did you make the comment. I'm for peace but you need yo ass kicked for that comment. And I know you think this is being blown out of proportion but thats because this black kid is the one facing years in prison for a high school fight and not yo lily white ass. So you don't need the money good cuz we aint giving you none. Businesses won't close to hurt us they were scared we would hurt them. So run shut your doors close down that what cowards do. and oh yeah the niggas is coming

[manyangels300]

you say that you are coming to rally and fight the judicaial system and that your not coming to hurt the citizens of the town. if you were just coming to rally and have equal justice then it wouldnt matter were you spend your money. the town and the people that live here everyday have not done anything wrong but in turn you are hurting our economy not the judicial system. and i think that is wrong. but that is okay because everything will be closed and we dont need your money to survive. we will be okay after this is all over and done with. so keep your money and spend it else where. we the citizens of lasalle parish still have to live here after you leave and you are just making it harder to live here by coming in with all this racial dispute. everything was fine until al sharpton and jesse jackson came here and it has all been blew out of porportion. thank you for everything you have done for this community nothing at all.

FIRST WE ARE JUST COMING TO RALLY NOT TO MAKE TROUBLE!!!!! WE WOULD NOT HAVE TO COME AND RALLY IN THE FIRST PLACE IF THINGS WHERE EQUAL FOR EVERYBODY. FOR THE RECORD REV. AL SHARPTON AND REV. JESSE JACKSON DID NOT BLOW THIS OUT OF PORPORTION TRYING TO GIVE THE JENA 6 BOYS 22 YEARS NOW THAT IS OUT PORPORTION. IF YOU ALL ARE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR ECONOMY WHY ARE YOU CLOSING YOUR BUSINESSES???? THE ONLY REASON THAT YOU ALL ARE CLOSING BECAUSE IT'S A KNOWN FACT THAT WE ARE NOT GOING TO SPEND ANY MONEY JUST BECAUSE THE PEOPLE FROM THE RALLY WILL NOT BE DOING ANY SHOPPING AND SPENDING MONEY THEIR WE ARE NOT STOPPING ANYONE THAT LIVES THEIR FROM SHOPPING AND SPENDING MONEY. YES WE ARE COMING AND NO WE WILL NOT SPEND MONEY THERE AND WE ARE GOING TO BE PEACEFUL.

NOW YOU HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!!!!!!!

[ROSALIND QUASH-WILLIAMS]

I Read Your Message, And Wasn't Your Home Town People Who Said That The Are Closing Up Their Business, What Did You Expect The Protesters To Do Stay Hungry Or Thirsty, Its Pleople Like You Who Allows Disavantage, And Unfair Treatment Of Black People To Continue Over The Years, You Are Living In The Dark Ages.

[ROSALIND QUASH-WILLIAMS]

THIS MAY BE THE NEXT BIG THING TO HAPPEN MAY BE WE SHOULD THROW THIS OUT THERE FOR MICHEAL, TO TALK ABOUT, WE MIGHT JUST BE ABLE TO DO IT.



How beautiful would it be. since we are already in Louisiana.
If nearly 40,000 people could desend on New orleans and rebuild it?
Wonder If the government would allocate money for that. Or Maybe
borrow it from Iraq?

[nobrad]

I heard Michael talking about not spend money in Jena if possible. I think this is an ace idea. I know it is late, but I'd like to make this suggestion. DO NOT buy gas in Jena if possible unless you can patronize minority businesses. If possible get enough gas to get you in and out of Jena. Sorry, I have not read thought all of the other suggestions and don't to be redundant. Have a safe trip!

[trjgraham59]

you say that you are coming to rally and fight the judicaial system and that your not coming to hurt the citizens of the town. if you were just coming to rally and have equal justice then it wouldnt matter were you spend your money. the town and the people that live here everyday have not done anything wrong but in turn you are hurting our economy not the judicial system. and i think that is wrong. but that is okay because everything will be closed and we dont need your money to survive. we will be okay after this is all over and done with. so keep your money and spend it else where. we the citizens of lasalle parish still have to live here after you leave and you are just making it harder to live here by coming in with all this racial dispute. everything was fine until al sharpton and jesse jackson came here and it has all been blew out of porportion. thank you for everything you have done for this community nothing at all.
You seem to forget that the racial disruption started when your neighbors and possibly schoolmates decided to hang nooses in a tree. The visual statement they made with their actions can not go unaddressed. It's too easy to say we have caused racial disruption, open up your mind and accept the truth as embarrassing as it may be. The truth will set you free.

[FOXYBANDMOM413]

just that statement is very prejudiced WHAT are you marching for anyway.
If anyone knocks You off it will be your own kind because no one else will
be there, the sickos that we are we do have jobs.

You my dear are sad... Im sure that the families of those young men have jobs too and look at the price they are paying. You talk about the taxpayers money being spent on the families of these young men, maybe just maybe you should direct your anger at the same (people like you) who are the REASON for spending your hard earned tax dollars. Now put that in your pipe and smoke it. I was not "our own kind" you hung that rope it was not our "own kind" that beat that young black man it is not our "own kind" that put "you people" in the national spot light. Wake up girl and smell the coffee. Now.. Thanks you's go out to Dr. ML King, Bro Malcome X, Betty Shabazz, Rosa Parks, JFK, RFK, Ghandi and countless & nameless others who stood up! Thank you for standing up for whats right and injust. And for directing our attention to small minded people like this girl here! Go to work we will be there and we will smile at cha and offer you a good day and not spend one damn dime in your god forsaken city. I am sorry if I have offended anyone who lives in Jena who does not have the same view point as this girl!

[FOXYBANDMOM413]

You seem to forget that the racial disruption started when your neighbors and possibly schoolmates decided to hang nooses in a tree. The visual statement they made with their actions can not go unaddressed. It's too easy to say we have caused racial disruption, open up your mind and accept the truth as embarrassing as it may be. The truth will set you free.

Thank your self you started it! Keep your kids under control

[ladybellagrace]

You are a very smart person, Elizabeth. Thanks for putting that into perspective.

[ladybellagrace]

Raisingtaylor made it clear why this group is coming. It's all so clear.

[manyangels300]

just that statement is very prejudiced WHAT are you marching for anyway.
If anyone knocks You off it will be your own kind because no one else will
be there, the sickos that we are we do have jobs.

I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN BY "YOUR OWN KIND" THIS FURTHER LET'S ME KNOW THAT WE NEED TO RALLY!!!!!

[texasdestiny]

Your own kind???? That indicates you are really not in touch with reality for living in the 21st Century in America. Justice is for "all". That's guaranteed in our consititution.

[The Queen]

For All my Family,
Beloved, as you prepare to hit the road for Jena, please know that I am so very proud of you. You have come together for a just cause. This isn't about fame, fortune, or show. This is a case of family supporting each other for a common good (our children). If we don't stand up for our children then who will? Justice cannot be reduced to the joke that Jena has come to represent. I won't be able to join you but I will be wearing my black. My prayer is that your path will be made straight, your mind clear and that you keep your focus on the task at hand. Don't let nobody turn you 'round!


Much love,

The Queen

[farfromthetree]

Thursday at 11:30 a.m. there will be a gathering in support of the Jena Six at the historic Swett's Restaurant 2725 Clifton Ave., Nashville, TN. Those who could not take the bus trip can meet collectively there - wear your Black and be ready for an uplifting lunchtime gathering! As Donnie McClurkin sings, 'sometimes when you've done all you can do - you just stand.' That's what I plan to do right here at home. This is the first time in a long time I have been so moved by an issue such as this. Peace and blessings to all those who are traveling to and from Louisiana this week. I am so proud of our young people and of the old heads who've paved the way for this to happen.

[Sine' Jones]

Why do you feel this way? I am a little confused about your opinion. Can you help me to better understand why you think this rally, coming together, protest for equal and fair justice is NOTHING! I am missing something and do not want to offend.

[farfromthetree]

To whom are you asking this question?

[creoleprincessroyale]

Excuse me , but you should not single out our whole state for what happened in Jena or in New Orleans . It is not the same everywhere . I have been other places in the North and East and I feel racism is worst. I can leave and go any place that I chose and I chose to recieve my education , and live in Louisiana. My ancestors came to this state by choice over 200 years ago and I love it and I will continue thier legacy. So don't catagorize our state due to isolated situations.

CreolePrincessRoyale

[jadinc]

Imus, Jena 6 are huge issues,
however, The abolishment of Affirmitive Action represents a vote by people that think we have become so passive,distracted and unaware that racism is practiced by rainbow of nationalities. The long term effect is in process

[raisingtaylor]

I pray that all is peacful and we all stay safe. Jena were not coming for confusion and violence but for justice equal rights. If this situation was turned around would you feel the same or do you all not get it this is wrong. How can you feel this right what world are you living in and where have you been. You need to get out and see the world that hick town has possibly ruined some good people and brain washed others. God created us all equal. Most balck people aren't anti but we are pro. FREE OUR BOYS. it's 2,800 of yall and about 10,000 to 250,000 of us coming. Can you say yall don't want non. BLACK UNITY, BLACK POWER & BLACK LOVE

[Rainey!]

get busy and write letters

Creola Cotton (left) and Shaquanda Cotton

By Tracy Stokes, BET.com News Staff & Wire Services

Posted March 28, 2007 - In Paris, Texas, last year, a 14-year-old White girl burns down her family's home. Her punishment? Probation. In the same town three months later, a 15-year-old Black girl, Shaquanda Cotton, is sentenced to seven years in prison for pushing a hall monitor at her high school.

Shaquanda had no prior arrests, and the monitor, a 58-year-old teacher's aide, was not hurt, according to Black leaders in the northeast Texas town of about 26,000 residents. But in March 2006, the same judge, Lamar County Judge Chuck Superville, who let the White teenage girl go on probation, convicted Shaquanda of 'assault on a public servant' and sent her to prison at least until she turns 21.

Officials at the Texas Youth Commission declined to discuss the case with BET.com, citing Texas law.

'State law forbids us from acknowledging whether we have any youths are in our system, despite the 50 million issues of print that's been run,' said Jim Hurley, a spokesman for the Texas Youth Commission. 'We'd have to break the law to talk about it.'

Civil Rights Uproar

While the U.S. Department of Education is investigating the incident, the case has civil rights groups in an uproar.

'I don't understand the judge's rationale for his decision,' Dr. Howard Anderson, president of the San Antonio Branch of the NAACP, told BET.com.

In highlighting what he called an egregious miscarriage of justice in a town with a long history of civil rights abuses, Anderson pointed to the case of the 14-year-old convicted arson (whose name was not released because of her age), who was slapped with probation, and the case of a 19-year-old White man in Paris, convicted of killing a 54-year-old Black woman and her 3-year-old grandson with his truck. The latter, he said, was also sentenced to probation and told to send the family a Christmas card every year.

'Then you have Shaquanda's case,' Anderson said. 'She pushed a hall monitor, and she gets seven years confinement? If I look at all three of these sentences, and I'm not a lawyer, I have to wonder what the judicial system is doing. In this particular case, what is this judge doing?'

Gary Bledsoe, an Austin attorney who heads the state NAACP branch, told BET.com that Shaquanda was merely trying to defend herself.

'All she (Shaquanda) did was grab the aide to prevent a strike,' Bledsoe said. 'It's like they are sending a signal to Black folks in Paris that you stay in your place in this community, in the shadows, intimidated.'

Sad History

And keeping Blacks in their place is nothing new in Paris, say leaders, who remind that it's the site of the first highly publicized lynching of a Black by a large White mob. In 1893, fugitive Henry White was captured in Arkansas and brought to Paris, where he was tortured and burned alive on a train bed as more than 10,000 angry townsfolk cheered and jeered.

Activists say that the Shaquanda sentence is nothing more than a modern-day lynching.

Cotton has been incarcerated at a youth prison in Brownwood, Texas, for the last year on a sentence that could run until her 21st birthday. But like many of the other youths in the system, she is eligible to earn early release if she achieves certain social, behavioral and educational milestones while in prison.

But according to The Chicago Tribune, officials at the Ron Jackson Correctional Complex repeatedly have extended Shaquanda's sentence because she refuses to admit guilt and because she reportedly was found with contraband in her cell - an extra pair of socks.

'She's not admitting any guilt, because she doesn't feel that she did anything,' Anderson told BET.com. 'Not to mention, who saw the pushing, if it did occur?'

Cotton's mother, Creola, who Anderson describes as 'strong-willed,' said her daughter was singled out because she accused the school district of racism on several occasions.

In fact, 12 discrimination complaints have been filed against the Paris Independent School District in recent years. District officials dispute the charges, but the U.S. Department of Education, which is still investigating the case, has reportedly asked the U.S. Department of Justice to get involved.

In 1998, Paris, Texas, was named the 'Best Small Town in Texas' by Kevin Heubusch in his book The New Rating Guide to Life in America's Small Cities.

Are you interested in reaching out to Shaquanda? You can write a directly to her at the address below:

She also receive mail here:
Ron Jackson Correctional Complex,
Attn: Shaquanda Cotton
Unit 2, Dorm 4
P.O. Box 872
Brownwood, Texas 76804
1125308

Protest letters can also be sent to Judge Chuck Superville, who handed down the sentence at the address below:

Honorable M.C. (Chuck) Superville, Jr., Judge
Lamar County Courthouse
119 North Main
Paris, TX 75460
Phone # 903-737-2410
Fax # 903-785-3858


NAACP
Attn: Dr. Howard Anderson
2803 East Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78203
210-224-7636


Texas Youth Commission
Attn: Jim Hurley, Spokesperson
321 Center Street
San Antonio, TX 78202
210-242-7800

[Blackman7]

Excuse me , but you should not single out our whole state for what happened in Jena or in New Orleans . It is not the same everywhere . I have been other places in the North and East and I feel racism is worst. I can leave and go any place that I chose and I chose to recieve my education , and live in Louisiana. My ancestors came to this state by choice over 200 years ago and I love it and I will continue thier legacy. So don't catagorize our state due to isolated situations.

CreolePrincessRoyale

But Ku Klux Klansman David Duke was ELECTED to the Louisiana State Legislature in 1989. There is obviously a LOT of white supremists down there!

That doesn't mean that there aren't white supremists ALL OVER THIS PLANET, but at present, we're focused on liberating the Jena 6!

[lllockhart]

I am looking to purchase a Jena 6 Tee Shirt. I could not get one while at the March. Please respond. Lockhart