“Members of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity cannot and WILL NOT sit idly by as unequal justice continues its romp across this country,??? states Paul Griffin, International President of one of the nine largest African-American fraternal organizations in the country. “We will march, we will sign petitions, we will educate ourselves and the public, and we will erase every badge of second class citizenship because that is why this fraternity exists.??? Griffin made these comments recently, following the fraternity’s board meeting during which their Jena 6 Resolution was approved.
The Jena 6 are six young black males who have faced overly aggressive prosecution and extended incarceration based on a series of racially motivated encounters in Jena, Louisiana.
On Thursday, September 20, supporters of the Jena 6 and protestors of the apparent unequal judicial system will arrive in Jena for a march. A “Justice for Jena??? petition to Gov. Kathleen B. Blanco will be presented at the Louisiana State Capitol by the NAACP on the 19th.
Sigma has charged its brothers, individually and chapters, collectively, as well as partnering organizations, to support this effort and all efforts related to the Jena 6.
According to John White, International Director of Social Action, Phi Beta Sigma Brothers will “wear the color black on the 20th, in a show of solidarity and support. Brothers are also requested to sign the Jena Six Petition; and all Brothers are encouraged to join the march on the 20th, meeting at 7:30a.m. at the LaSalle Parish Courthouse in Jena, Louisiana, under the Phi Beta Sigma banners.???
Additionally, Chapters of Phi Beta Sigma are directed to write Donald W. Washington, United States Attorney for Louisiana Western District, concerning the unequal justice embodied in the Jena Six case, requesting further investigation. More information may be found on the fraternity’s website, www.pbs1914.org. A copy of the complete Resolution is also located on the website.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, founded 1914 at Howard University, continues to champion the cause for equality and equal justice, not only in Jena, Louisiana, but the world over, in an effort to continue the legacy of our illustrious Founders, perpetuating Culture for Service, and Service for Humanity.
The fact of the matter is that there has never been true just in a society that values material possessions more than it does people. Do the research. This country was built to benefit the few.