Talking points

Here are some important points to highlight when talking with the media:

• This was a schoolyard fight. The charges in this case are out of proportion to what actually occurred.
   
• The young men who hung the nooses were only suspended for 3 days for what is essentially a hate crime.
   
• Even though Mychal Bell’s conviction has been nullified, District Attorney Reed Walters says he will appeal the ruling, and plans to prosecute the other 5 young men.
   
• The District Attorney is trying to ruin these young men’s lives. It's time for him to drop the charges against all 6 young men.
   
• The District Attorney has overstepped his authority and acted unethically, and should be disciplined by both the Governor and the Louisiana Bar.
   
• The goal of the Day of Action is to raise the pressure on D.A. Reed Walters and on Governor Blanco.
   
• Blanco and Walters have both failed to act in the face of compelling evidence of misconduct.
   
• There are hundreds of events happening across the country today in conjunction with the rally in Jena.
   
• In addition to the events, thousands of people are flyering in their neighborhoods and making calls to Louisiana officials.
   
• We couldn't go to Jena, but we wanted to make our voices heard here in _______.
   
• This is an issue that affects people from all walks of life across the country.
   
• Anyone who cares about the welfare of Black Americans should be outraged that this kind of Jim Crow justice is still alive in America today.