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Updated: Monday, September 24, 2007
Published: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 |
NABJ Urges Journalists to Tell the 'Jena 6' Story
The court's decision in the "Jena 6" case has the potential to be ground-breaking and shift attitudes about race and justice in the United States. It is critical that news organizations cover this court proceeding with the same dedication and persistence that is given to stories such as the upcoming presidential elections and the recent trouble surrounding the Atlanta Falcon's Michael Vick.
In December 2006, six black students at Jena High School were charged with attempted second-degree murder for allegedly assaulting a white student who taunted them with racial slurs. In a previous incident, three nooses were found hung on school property. On June 28, one of the black students was convicted of aggravated second-degree battery and conspiracy to commit aggravated second-degree battery. He now faces a maximum sentence of 22 years in prison. Five other defendants were indicted in the case and will go to trial later this month.
"There is always a story behind the story," said NABJ President Barbara Ciara. "It's our charge, as journalists, to give a voice to the voiceless. The first reports are seldom a full account of what happened and why it came to be. Real journalism involves getting beneath the surface, examining the roots, and creating a compelling story no one can ignore. That's the challenge and opportunity for stories like the one in Jena, Louisiana."
"Far too often, incidents involving people of color in small towns receive little or no mainstream media attention," said NABJ Vice President-Print Ernie Suggs. "As we work to promote fairness in coverage, I encourage journalists - across all mediums - to follow and report on what is happening throughout our justice system."
Over the next few months, NABJ will continue to monitor coverage of the "Jena 6" case and provide regular updates to the membership. If you are producing regular coverage of the "Jena 6," please share your stories with us at nabj@nabj.org. |
