The Student Government Association held a forum Monday in an attempt to promote an open dialogue on the events of Jena, La.
SGA president Andre Evans said the forum was organized to garner support for the upcoming rally Thursday, Sept. 20 in Jena.
Titled “Jena Six Forum: Rally for Justice,” the forum cultivated a constructive discussion among Prairie View students and local officials.
Featured speakers of the forum included Mayor Frank D. Jackson and psychology professor Dr. Derek Wilson. Also in attendance was Judge Dewayne Charleston who recapped the events that led up to the adolescents in questions to be dubbed “Jena 6.” Charleston then responded to questions from the audience.
Beyond simply drawing support for the rally, forum speakers sought to educate PV students about the history of the south, of Prairie View, and of blacks.
Jackson talked of the history of African slaves in the south, and how systems put in place centuries ago continue to restrain African-Americans today. Jackson’s message conveyed the power that students, and black people in general, have to promote change. He stressed the influence that power has in determining how black people live.
“This is about power. You are engaged in a battle, just like the children in Jena,” Jackson proclaimed.
Along with dispelling myths of race being the critical factor in the Jena 6 cases, Jackson pointed out the incredible power that students have to make a change by voting.
Wilson challenged black men to take more responsibility in the African-American community. He emphasized how black men have the power to single-handedly change the climate of the entire black community. Wilson also tapped into what it means to be African American by referring to the history and culture of black people.
“Think about the idea of what it is to be me,” Wilson said.
Changing the course of the forum to a related cause, Charleston urged students to rally in support of a matter closer to home. He encouraged all students to be present Sept. 24 in Waller County, to support a major court decision.
The case involves unequal distribution of funds spent on schools in Prairie View, compared to three other predominantly white school districts in Waller County.
“Less than one-third of one percent ($230, 000) of the $49,100,100 bond will be spent in the City of Prairie View,” read Charleston’s front page editorial in the September edition of The Prairie View Journal. Currently, it is not known which Waller County courthouse will hear the case.
Following the speeches was a question and answer period between the audience and the three guest panel members.
Gregory Gray II, sophomore architecture major, said, “I think the forum was really important. The speakers really educated a lot of people. I respected the mayor for what he was saying because I don’t know if a lot of people know about how we lived as far back as Africa.”
The Jena 6 Rally will be held Sept. 20 in Jena, La. Fifteen HBCUs, and several celebrities are expected to be in attendance.