Mos Def, Bun B (of UGK), David Banner, Common, Talib Kweli and M1 (of dead prez) are all highly-regarded rappers but, they are now also being recognized for their stepping up on behalf of the Jena 6.

As posted here previously, Mos Def (as well as Bun B) were actually down in Jena as part of the protests. David Banner, while not being able to be in Jena, used his tour as a platform to discuss the plight of the Jena 6. Most recently, Mos Def, Common, Talib Kweli and M-1 organized a school walkout in protest of the Jena 6’s prosecution.

However, Mos Def did have some pointed words for other rappers who haven’t lent the time or voices to this issue. He calls them out in the following clip:

Popularity: 46% [?]

There is a bit of good news in the ongoing saga of the Jena 6. First, it was announced that prosecutor Reed Walters would not appeal the decision to not to try Mychal Bell as an adult and move his case to juvenile court. Second came the news that, after having his bail reduced to $45,000, it was posted and Mychal Bell was able to leave jail after nearly 10 months behind bars.

Rev. Al Sharpton made a statement which sums up this current development quite succinctly:

“Tonight, Mychal can go home, but Mychal is not out of the juvenile process. He goes home because a lot of people left their home and stood up for him.

Let America know — we are not fighting for the right to fight in school. We’re not fighting for the right for kids to beat each other. We’re fighting to say that there must be one level of justice for everybody. And you cannot have adult attempted murder for some, and a fine for others, and call that equal protection under the law. Two wrongs don’t make one civil right.”

So, today, we are seeing a sorting of leveling of justice. However, we still must realize that it took a lot of folks mobilizing to make that happen. Let’s not forget the lessons that are being re-taught in Jena, Louisiana.

Popularity: 36% [?]

The only one of the “Jena 6″ to be convicted, Mychal Bell, remains behind bars tonight, despite the fact that the conviction had been overturned. Lawyers for Bell requested that he be freed while an appeal is being reviewed.

Last week, an appeals judged overturned the conviction for aggravated second-degree battery when he determined that Bell should not have been tried as an adult. Bell was 16 at the time of the beating.

The judge in this case stated that Bell’s juvenile record, which includes two simple battery charges, was the justification for his $90,000 bail.

Participants in the Thursday rally at Jena stated that they expected this outcome and, therefore, continued on with plans for the rally, despite the conviction being overturned last week. It is believed that as many as 20,000 people showed up to protest in a town whose population is some 3,000.

In the end, people are not asking for these young men to get away with a crime. We are just asking that they face the same punishment that white kids would receive in that community under the same circumstances.

Popularity: 33% [?]