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50K Rally to Support 'Jena Six'

Huge crowds arrive in tiny town to protest trial of black students

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 20, 2007 12:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – Busload after busload of civil rights marchers alighted in Jena, La., today to support the “Jena Six,” a group of black students charged with felonies after a 2006 fight with a white classmate. An estimated 50,000 mostly-black protesters easily outnumbered the mostly-white population of the town, where racial tensions have swirled since last year when nooses in the schoolyard prompted the fight.

The town is worried the protests will lead to violence, the Chicago Tribune reports, and protesters complained that portable toilets were strategically placed to thwart their demonstrations. Though the case has drawn national criticism, some Jena residents think it's overblown. “Our town is not racist like this is being depicted,” said one resident. “The nooses were just a joke.”

[Images (6)]

[Videos (1)]

Members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference pray in front of the LaSalle Parish Courthouse in Jena, La., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. The streets around this tiny town's courthouse began filling... (Associated Press)

Louisiana State Police stand in front of the LaSalle Parish Courthouse as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference talk to the media in Jena, La., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. Two marches are planned... (Associated Press)

Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards, shakes hands with supporters of the "Jena 6" as they depart for Louisiana Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Mary... (Associated Press)

Police barricades are up around the LaSalle Parish Courthouse in Jena, La., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. The streets around this tiny town's courthouse began filling with protesters Wednesday, a day ahead... (Associated Press)

Charles Steele Jr., president & CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, speaks in front of the La Salle Parish Courthouse Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007 in Jena, La. The streets around this tiny... (Associated Press)

This photo released by the LaSalle Parish District Attorney's Office shows Justin Barker in the hospital after he was beaten on Dec. 4, 2006 in Jena, La. Barker was treated and released from the hospital.... (Associated Press)

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50K Rally to Support 'Jena Six'