Jarrett-Carter.com

In news to be filed under the “finally” category, Judge J.P. Mauffray, the presiding official over the remaining Jena 6 battery trials, has been removed from his position. The move comes after several instances of impartiality against the defendants, including remarks about the youth being “trouble makers” and “a violent bunch.”

Mauffray’s removal comes not a moment too soon. While most of the attention is focused on his remarks, the matters of inappropriate charges being levied against the teenagers and the unlawful trial of Mychal Bell fly relatively under the radar. While these charges and decisions were ultimately overturned, it took thousands of black folks across the country rallying for justice to inspire movement; an accepted practice in 2008 by both sides, but one that should only be used in cases of emergency in 2008 and beyond.

The best part about this whole thing is that white folks (outside of the White House at least) are starting to get the picture that blatant racism is a style best worn by history. There are too many resources for anyone to do something that has the stink of prejudice all over it. The Internet and black radio have gotten our sense of smell at an all-time level of sensitivity.

The worst part, I fear, is that not enough people are in tuned with what kind of activity is necessary to combat obvious discrimination. In 2008, Maryland is the new Mississippi when it comes to segregation and racism in super and obvious doses. But its black residents have yet to rally for their cause en masse.

Oh well. I’m just a humble member of the new black literati. FREE THE JENA 6!