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February 15, 2012
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Jena protests
From PRI's 'The World' (2007-09-20)
BOSTON (pri) - Civil rights protestors from across the United States held a day-long rally in Jena, Louisiana in support of six black teenagers charged over the beating of a white youth. BBC 'Newshour' reports.

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Prominent African American campaigners came to Jena in solidarity, including Reverend Jesse Jackson, Martin Luther King III, and Reverend Al Sharpton, who called this the start of the 21st century civil rights movement.

Correspondent Andy Gallager describes the scene in the streets of Jena, which he says is "swamped" with protesters. Shops and businesses have closed down, and white residents have "basically dissappeard for the day."

Last September, the appearance of three nooses hung from a tree at the town high school stirred up racial tensions, culminating in the beating of a white student by several black students. The six students were charged with attempted murder, which many thought was unfair and racially motivated.

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