The Important Lesson of the Jena 6

A number of people have written me asking if/when I would touch upon the Jena 6. In fact, some were angry that I hadn't as of yet and "instead" (in their words) chose "less important issues" to spend this column space covering.

On one hand, the concern is appreciated. It shows a level of awareness for some substantive and impactful issues relating to African-Americans. That shouldn't be taken for granted on any day. On the other hand, with any serious subject that I should agree to tackle, considerable thought has to be given to the question of whether I am furthering the discussion and/or increasing the dialogue quotient.

I would argue that writing a column on the perverse miscarriage of justice in the case of the Jena 6 is neither earth-shattering nor groundbreaking in nature. In other words, it would be a waste of your time and mine.

As they say, "tell me something I don't know." There have already been dozens of editorials lambasting the justice system, the lack of national media coverage and the tepid response by some civil rights leaders and organizations to come to the aid of the Jena 6. And without a doubt, all of the aforementioned are/were necessary in creating and maintaining the groundswell of support that has helped push this issue towards the forefront of the media. Such commentary has its place and accordingly has done its job.

In truth though, there's not too much that I could add on those fronts that isn't some familiar reformulation of someone else's opinions or restatement of the obvious. That said, let's rotate the issue of the Jena 6 around and examine it from another angle, through a slightly different lens. Let's not look at it head on for what it is in the present but instead look at it for what it means moving forward.

Many times I've taken Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to task for what I call the frivolous and imprudent use of social capital. Their wanton, blithe self-insertion into every high-profile, semi-controversial media event only insures that if/when the fires of social consciousness truly need to be stoked; there would be fewer embers available.

The Jena 6 - case in point.

The involvement of Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson has had considerably less impact and influence in the wake of Don Imus, Paris Hilton, Mitt Romney et al. The case of the Jena 6 is TRUE racism. These are the times you want to spend any social and political clout you've had saved away for a racist, rainy day. But arguably you're ineffectual, if not moot after having been dipping in the piggy bank under the auspices of Paris Hilton and Don Imus.

And so, the case of the Jena 6 has been perceived by many in and outside the media as just the latest photo op for the egomaniacal instead of a genuinely newsworthy entity. It hasn't been taken as seriously as it should have been...as it COULD have been.

Let's be honest. It just ain't no big deal when Al and Jesse show up to the party anymore and the Jena 6 are reaping the "benefits" of this sad reality.

But I digress...

The prosecution of the Jena 6 is arguably the purest example of racism, (both socialized and institutionalized) to be had in modern day America. The gross defamation of these young people and shameful abuse of the criminal justice system hearkens back to the deep South at the height of Jim Crow...complete with lynching nooses.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jena_Six

That much we (should) all know. There's no need to further recapitulate the obvious.

The greatest lesson to be learned from the Jena 6, is NOT that racism still exists in America. Those with common sense and intellectual honesty already knew this to be true. If it took the Jena 6 to awaken one to the stark realities of race in America...you need someone to pray for you. The greatest lessons to be learned are not even connected to how the prosecutorial misconduct of disgraced and disbarred North Carolina district attorney Mike Nifong has received far more coverage than the prosecutorial misconduct Reed Walters in Louisiana.

To be sure, the aforementioned are important to acknowledge; but not paramount in nature.

The most important lesson to be learned in the case of the Jena 6 is specifically for African-American youth everywhere. Our young people must take heed to the fact that the criminal justice system itself is not only predisposed to incarcerate people of color, but is openly and actively campaigning in its efforts to do so. Our young people must be vigilant in protecting themselves from the criminal justice system in the same way we protect ourselves while on the streets. To throw around nebulous terms like "racism" in our discussion of the Jena 6 does not inform young people and does not protect them going forward.

Wearing all-black on September 20^th is an acceptable and even admirable show of unity...but it does not help equip young people going forward.

It only takes one mistake in either realm and your life could be over or forever changed for the worse. Just one mistake is all it takes. Wearing Black is fine on September 20^th, but we must come to the realization that what's happening right now in Jena, Louisiana is and has been happening on varying levels throughout American history.

From the emerging ordinances around the country to "ban" sagging pants which include jail time to the unfortunate fall of Michael Vick; we must be unequivocally clear in not allowing "racism" generally and the justice system specifically to have any say in our children's futures. Invariably our children will end up on the short end of the stick, irrespective of fault, innocence, guilt or mitigating circumstances. The justice system is simply a game that is not to be played...ever.

I hate sagging pants as much as anyone...but jail time?

Young Black people, please, please pay attention right now. This is about your survival and your future. Take notice of the society around you actively working towards your incarceration and protect yourselves accordingly.

We know that as African-Americans there is a smaller margin for error and we can rightfully assume that the Jena 6 weren't the first to ever be involved in a fistfight in Jena, Louisiana...just the first to be charged with aggravated attempted murder.

Just in case the story of Genarlow Wilson didn't make it clear to young people, hopefully the Jena 6 will. This isn't about what's "fair" or "unfair." This is about survival in the most literal of terms.

If I can offer anything "different" on the case of the Jena 6, it is that their case is another teachable moment to show that we as a people must be exceptionally careful in not allowing the judicial system (and racism) to have any say in our futures. The consequences are considerable...every single time.