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Twista, Hurricane Chris Slated to Take Part in Jena 6 Empowerment 
Published Wednesday, September 19, 2007 11:59 AM
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By Chris Richburg

Rappers Twista and Hurricane Chris are among the entertainers slated to perform at the Jena 6 Empowerment Concert.

 

The event, which will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center in Birmingham, Ala. is designed to provide a platform for the hip-hop community to take a stand against what organizers feel are growing incidents that mirror the recent turmoil experienced by six Black students in Jena, Louisiana.

 

The students, known as the Jena 6, were initially charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit attempted murder in connection with the December 4 beating of a white student.

 

The incident was the culmination of months of racial tension following a black Jena High School student’s request for him and some of his friends to sit under an oak tree that became a frequent hang out for white students.

 

A day after the group sat under the tree, three nooses were found hanging from the branches.

 

Although the school’s principal recommended that those responsible for the nooses be expelled, the Town Talk newspaper reported that three white students were suspended for three days for the action, which was labeled as a "prank."

 

Soon after, the school became the site of an arson on the main academic building.

 

Four days after the Nov. 30 torching, Justin Barker, a white student, was jumped by a group of students who knocked him unconscious while stomping and kicking him.

 

Barker, who had injuries on both of eyes in addition to cuts, was later taken to a hospital where he was treated and released. Criminal charges were later directed towards the Jena 6.

 

Bail for the group was set between $70,000 and $138,000.

 

Although the parents of the Jena 6 said they heard Barker was hurling racial epithets, Barker's parents argued that their son did nothing toencourage the beating.

 

On Sept. 14, the 3rd District Court of Appeals in Lake Charles threw out the conviction for second degree battery against one of the Jena 6 members, Mychal Bell.

 

According to reports, the court stated that the charges against Bell should have been presented in juvenile court.

 

Despite bail being posted for the other five students, Bell remains in jail as a judge cited his criminal record as the reason why his $90,000 bail was not lowered.

 

While charges were reduced from attempted second-degree murder to aggravated second-degree battery and conspiracy for Carwin Jones and Theo Shaw, Robert Bailey Jr. and Bryant Purvis, still face attempted murder charges.

 

The final Jena6 member is still waiting to go to trial for his role in the incident.

 

After hearing about the case, Jena 6 Empowerment concert organizer Abdul Chestnut felt compelled to contribute and coordinate resources to bring media attention to the issue.

 

Other performerson tapped for the Jena 6 Empowerment Concert include Nick Cannon, Sean P, Rasheeda, Baby Boy, B5, The LAX Boyz, Lloyd, former Xscape member Kandi Burruss, Tank, The Chestnut Brothers and Jagged Edge.

 

The weekend will include a press conference at 1 p.m. Sept. 28 in front of the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum.Apeace rally hosted by Cannon and Danity Kane member Aubrey O'Day will follow at 4 p.m. at Parker High School.

 

Tickets for the concert are available at the convention center box office and online via Ticketmaster.


Comments

 

ya future father said:

thats whats really good i like to thank twista and hurricane for helping out
September 19, 2007 12:13 PM
 

aries20 said:

Shout out to twista and hurricane for doing that,

im praying for the jena 6


FREE JENA 6
September 19, 2007 12:13 PM
 

Boss Up said:

since this is in Louisiana where is Lil Wayne? why hasn't he done anything?

and hopefully the right thing comes out from this concert
September 19, 2007 12:20 PM
 

Eddy C aka Ed Sizzaleen said:

What's Al Sharpton doing??? holding a funeral for the word racism??? He's hella burnt.
September 19, 2007 12:21 PM
 

TreyPeezyDotCom said:

Jena need all the help they can get. It said that you need national exposure to make things right!

Racisim will never die!

Jena stay on ya grind And if a Bia Bia get out of line.....Donkey Kong Dat Hoe... http://myspace.com/treypeezymusicgroup

All yall other myspace MUSIC cats are WACK!!!!!!!!! No one cares about ya wack @$$ 5 songs on myspace cuz all you need is the right ONE to get the deal of a mill!
September 19, 2007 12:23 PM
 

gotbread? said:

why dont they have the event in jena since thats where the injustice took place? seems like it would send a stronger message.
September 19, 2007 12:32 PM
 

PHILTHMOOR said:

u see niggaz is quick to hate on so called ringtone rappers shouts and salute to HURRICANE CHRIS for mannin up u dig..that concert should have 100 rappers doin the damn thing ,,where the fuck yall at??? when the real shit hit the fan yall nowhere to be found ..they probably makin ti rain or collectin nikes?? cmon my folks lets support the nation of HIP HOP that made us who we be and show these racist bastards we wont tolarate the bullshit no mo'
September 19, 2007 12:52 PM
 

MAK™ said:

How is it Hurricane Chris is touchin on this Jena 6 and yet the bigger names in HIP HOP are worried about their sales?

Fuck is wrong with this picture...

Much respect to Hurricane & Twista! Word!

(5 songs on myspace that wont disappoint you)
http://myspace.com/crackproductions

-mak-
September 19, 2007 1:07 PM
 

TWON THE DON said:

@EDDY C THERE YOU GO..

TALKING AND NOT KNOWING WHAT THE HELL YOU TALKING ABT

AL IS THERE

BUT HE NEEDS YO HELP
WHERE ARE YOU?

ON AHH MAKING DUMB ASS COMMENTS.

NIGGAS I SWEAR!

ANY BE UP TO THEM GUYS FOR DOING THE PART.

EDDY C I KNOW NIGGAS LIKE YOU CAUSE I MET THEM ALL THE TIME.

SO BEFORE YOU START TALKINS SOME MO SHIT
U NO NOTHING ABOUT
I DID DO MY PART. MY LODGE AND I DONATED $2000 TO HELP
September 19, 2007 1:16 PM
 

Mos High Films said:

Unity is what is needed. Let's not attack others who have not will not attend/perform. We dont know what people have planned or commited to. Although it would be nice if a colaberation of artist create a song and push it, to create even more awarness. Remeber "Self-Destruction" some of you younger cats may not remember. One more thing, we have to be alert and remeber there is some sick people deep in the infastructure of the "law"


May Jah continue to guide our steps.
Give thanks and have a blessed day all!!!
September 19, 2007 1:18 PM
 

D. Blaque said:

Free The Jena 6. Everyone wear black tomorrow to show support. I'll have mine on, will you?
September 19, 2007 1:37 PM
 

LA_aka_SoundTrak said:

It is crazy.  We have all these big rappers, athletes & entertainers that will do anything for some publicity (media hoes) but can't get their black a$$e$ out there and support a cause.  Much love and respect to artist such as Mos Def ( you represented on the Bill Maher Show), Hurricane Chris (song is still garbage but love is love), and Twista.  Don't forget to wear your "Free the Jena 6" T-Shirts tomorrow  If you have no T-Shirt just represent peoples.  Also see below:

"The Complete Producer" All-In-1 Sample Package
available at:

http://search.ebay.com/the-complete-producer_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQfromZR40

Ebay search "The Complete Producer" Check it out!
September 19, 2007 1:43 PM
 

Handsome_Rob said:

Dats real shit Huricane and Twista... Adrenaline rush was a hood classic in the lou and is one of my favorite cd to this day.. I will definitely go and support h.cris for his stands on this

first... I do see al sharpton as being a ambulance chaser at times but he did go and talk to mychael bell like 2 to 3 weeks ago... but this was after the kase received recognition... so fr me the juries still out on that one

secondly where are all these other rappers at... when it komes to matters of our race.... fuck dat shit... we need to stick together... they need to be holding concerts to dedicated to all of there bails..

for one if u want to send a message get their bail and put them at the for front of the march.... master p... oprah.. I know they may have kontributed but get them out of jail... and get them on talk shows ... that sends a bigger and stronger message than letting them sit in jail until kourt..

I'm kruchen frustrated as hell

where is obama at... I love dude... but I would be raising money for there bail that should been done 10 months ago
September 19, 2007 1:53 PM
 

DwayneTheDreamPsychic said:

Thats right TWISTA represent our city...

http://www.myspace.com/DwayneTheDreamPsychic


Free JENA 6

FREE FOXY BROWN & HANDS OFF HER ! ! !
September 19, 2007 1:59 PM
 

Handsome_Rob said:

Dats real shit Huricane and Twista... Adrenaline rush was a hood classic in the lou and is one of my favorite cd to this day.. I will definitely go and support h.cris for his stands on this

first... I do see al sharpton as being a ambulance chaser at times but he did go and talk to mychael bell like 2 to 3 weeks ago... but this was after the kase received recognition... so fr me the juries still out on that one

secondly where are all these other rappers at... when it komes to matters of our race.... fuck dat shit... we need to stick together... they need to be holding concerts to dedicated to all of there bails..

for one if u want to send a message get their bail and put them at the for front of the march.... master p... oprah.. I know they may have kontributed but get them out of jail... and get them on talk shows ... that sends a bigger and stronger message than letting them sit in jail until kourt..

I'm kruchen frustrated as hell

where is obama at... I love dude... but I would be raising money for there bail that should been done 10 months ago
September 19, 2007 2:03 PM
 

mu$h da great said:

no matter how much yall might criticize some artists music. you have to respect them as a stand up person for lending a hand to show support for the jena 6. baby is the only louisiana artist listed to perfom  at the empowerment concert. its so many more artist across amerikkka that could participate but are opting not to. these unjustices are happening across the country, if don't support our own peopl then who will. I salute anyone who is participating  in this event whether it be wearing a black tee tomorrow, attending the concert, or donating money to there charity. everything  helps no matter how insignificant it might seem.      
September 19, 2007 2:06 PM
 

gunot_17 said:

That's great news.
And to Boss up, Weezy gon' be down here in Florida during that time. I think he has a concert at the HOB in Orlando the night this is going on, and then he's coming to UF on the 1st.
September 19, 2007 2:11 PM
 

gunot_17 said:

My bad, Weezy's concert in the O is tomorrow night, not  the 28th. Still, I bet he already had plans to chill down in Miami or something before this concert/rally was announced. That being said, he should definitely change them so he can attend.
September 19, 2007 2:15 PM
 

ron art said:



Old school, new school, what the fuck ever...

...Shouts and props to EVERYONE, from Hurricane to Sharpton, to Micheal Baidsen -  who are DOING something to make a difference, and bring this incident to light.

Instead of bashing who's doing what - we need to focus on the issue at hand - BLATANT racism.

September 19, 2007 2:26 PM
 

ron art said:

@Eddy C aka Ed Sizzaleen:

you might want to research before you post misinformation, and or judge. only stupid people write what you just shat below...

"What's Al Sharpton doing??? holding a funeral for the word racism??? He's hella burnt."


nah...your just hella ignorant.
September 19, 2007 2:30 PM
 

black maybe said:

shoutout to Abdul Chestnut and big up to twista and hurricane chris and others for the love.

 FREE JENA 6!

Peace!

September 19, 2007 2:40 PM
 

jaeda said:

Thats whats up! shout to Twista and Hurricane Chris. I respect that alot! On the behalf of the JENA 6 thanx!
September 19, 2007 2:55 PM
 

twognzup said:

All I have to say is it's about time.  Shit has been crazy recently with all the blatant racism.  If someone doesn't do something besides sign a petition soon its bout to be like Rosewood.  Oh and by the way FUCK Al Sharpton! that old bitch-ass ho-ass only show his face when it benefits him ass nigga.  Censor that asshole.  Free the Jena 6 and stay up to that lady who was raped for a week by them crazy rednecks that should be put in front of a firing squad but will probably get probation.
September 19, 2007 3:09 PM
 

DC CA$HVILLE said:

I don't think they are the right people for this concert.  Hope knowone gets the fighting.

Peace and more hair grease,

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
September 19, 2007 3:30 PM
 

TWON THE DON said:

@TWOGNZUP
MAN DOG
WHAT DID BRO AL DO TO YOU
HE PROMOIST TO TAKE YOU SOMEWHERE.
HE SAID HE WAS GONIN DO DO SOMETHING FOR YOU AND HE DIDN'T?
COME ON MAN LET ME KNOW PIMP.
CAUSE I THINK THE MAN DO ALOT FOR BLACK PEOPLE.
GET INTO SOME REAL SHIT LIKE JENA AND SHE HOW MANY RAPPER COME HELP YO ASS.
CUT IT OUT, KNOCK THAT OFF HOME BOY
September 19, 2007 3:34 PM
 

draenonymous? said:

I agree. If hip-hop wants to be taken seriously outside of our core base (and the suburban kids who are just on it as a fad) then we have to be active in real life issues that affect the people who eat, sleep and breathe this music. I agree that Wayne & all them should be right down there makin sure these kids families don't have to pay a dime & still have the best possible legal teams available (if its not already taken care of) Also every time you see them they should be talking about the Jena 6, as mentioned earlier it's right in there back yard. I'm not hating or throwing stones but its a great opportunity for us to take a stand for US.

Mad love and support to everybody who's helping spread the word and have meaningfull dialogue about it b/c we can't just get crunk and riot and boycott every time we can put our finger on the wrongs that we face repeatedly. We gotta be able to intelligently deal with issues and use our resources (as regular cats & entertainers) to push the issues.

I'm in SC and I know that I'm a long way from Jena geographically, but not too far in any other sense. Neither are too many of the rest of you, you just haven't had it slammed in your face just yet.

I feel good to see our people be involved in a social issue. We catch a lot of hell from elders for not doing so. You don't hear people talk about hip-hop artists not being involved socially b/c they know the power that's there. (Youtube some old PE videos)
September 19, 2007 5:19 PM
 

SagNasty989 said:

shout out to hurricane chris (his single was the dopest from spring ta early summer ....hate all you want...."a bay a bay let it play that's my song turn it up....") support the jenna6 ..i been yellin it fa long...made my co-workers aware and we all wearin black tomorrow...twista much luv...adrennaline rush is a definite classic out here in the mid west..oh I think emenim should be on a milk carton..he from my home state but I knew dude wouldn't be as relivant in hip hop..modern day vanilla ice...JENNA 6 support our people...All is Well key 20...Moes baby!
September 19, 2007 6:43 PM
 

Streetweyez Sayles said:

I am simply thankful that they are doing something to help those young men out. I am not worried about the people that are not doing anything because they are not important right now. This is a serious injustice and those artists that are involved with assisting the situation should be commended.

"The Chronicles of Survival Vol. 1: The Dilemma"
http://www.myspace.com/streetweyezsayles

September 19, 2007 7:09 PM
 

N.O.E said:

I hope the concert is off the chains and I hope people respect what these dudes are doing. but ay just because a person isnot in the news for everything they do doesnt mean there not doing anything, its alot of rappers from the state so why just point weezy out (lil hater) anyway all black sept 20
September 19, 2007 8:50 PM
 

KillaRell said:

yo, I've criticized chris for the music, but this is real big right here.  Much respect for the young dude.  same to twista.
September 19, 2007 11:32 PM
 

LP2K said:

i read in the paper this morning that david bowie is giving 10,000 dollars to the jena 6 defense team.
September 20, 2007 6:56 AM
 

Daily Wrap Up …. Timbaland to appear on a soap opera said:

September 20, 2007 9:00 AM
 

twognzup said:

@TWON THE DON

I'm not saying that dude never did anything for anyone, not at all.  I know that he has been working for the civil rights movement since before I was even a thought in my parents minds.  He's helped make life better for many people no doubt.  And I respect him for all that he does.  What I have a problem with is as of recent he doesn't seem genuine with his actions, at least not initially.  He seems like he desn't say anything and then all of a sudden when he can make a TV appearance here Super Al comes to save the day.  Thats fake to me and I don't fuck with people I think are fake.  I call it like I see it so you can call me a hater or ignorant or whatever but I'm entitled to my opinion and I say Fuck him.  I hope everyone has there Black on today.
September 20, 2007 1:30 PM
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