Press Release

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement regarding today’s Jena 6 rally in Jena, Louisiana:

“The circumstances surrounding the events taking place in Jena, Louisiana, have evoked a sense of outrage, sadness, and utter shock. This tragic incident has created a movement across our nation, calling people—particularly our young people—to action.

“This case brings to light the need to re-evaluate and question the balance of justice in our country when six young African-American boys are charged as adults for a school fight while the white children involved are walking free, receiving no punishment at all.

“Young people across our country have repeatedly been accused of being disengaged. Today, gathering by the thousands from all parts of the nation to attend a rally voicing demands for justice and civil rights—two of the fundamental threads in the very fabric of our nation—they are proving that this is not the case.

“While we cannot yet know the final outcome of this situation, we can offer our hopes that the principles that drew the attention and presence of so many today will shine justice on the resolution.”

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