Joining the Jena 6 Rally
A national civil rights rally held on Thursday, September 20, in Jena, Louisiana, attracted the attention of many in the Centenary community even as it captured news media across the world. Dr. Loren Demerath, Centenary sociology professor, coordinated a trip for his current Race and Ethnicity class as well as all other interested students, staff, and faculty to join the rally.
Dr. Demerath took photos throughout the day.
The group from Centenary gathered at 3:30 am and drove into a traffic jam as thousands flooded the small town. According to The Times of Shreveport, the rally remained nonviolent, though the high-profile speakers and mass of protesters increased in passion throughout the day.
Jennifer Bouso '08 said "It was an amazing experience, and I am so thankful to Dr. Demerath and Centenary College for the opportunity to participate in this national event. The climax of the day was when I was standing outside the courthouse, unable to move because of the enormous amount of people surrounding me, and someone on a microphone announced that we met bail for the last incarcerated boy of the Jena 6. The crowd erupted in cheers and people from all over the country who had met for the first time that day rejoiced together."