Music & Politics in LA

[Sally Stevens]

JENA, La. - A video in which rapper-actor Mos Def asked students around the
country to walk out Oct. 1 to support the "Jena Six" escaped comment by this
town's mayor. But when John Mellencamp sang, "Jena, take your nooses down," he
took issue.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071006/ap_en_mu/jena_six_mellencamp
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And in New Orleans  ..............posted on the CLU Yahoo Group.........  
Glen David Andrews wasn't even playing his horn, but rather singing...
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Second line for deceased musician Kerwin James, a member of the New Birth Brass
Band. Mr. James passed away last week and he will be buried Saturday. October
6, 2007.

As is customary when an important jazz musician passes this was the first of
several second lines scheduled to honor his home going. This solemn event was
marred by more than twenty police cars attacking the more than 150 mourners.
Children were knocked down, two mourners Derrick Tabb and Glen David Andrews
were arrested for the crime of singing "I'll Fly Away". They were charged with
disturbing the peace and parading without a permit. Glen D. Andrews explaining
how officers silenced the band as they played the old funeral spiritual, "How
am I breaking the law by lifting my voice to God, in honor of my friend", Mr.
Andrews asked?
 
This is part of a continuing pattern of disrespecting the culture of Black New
Orleans. Double standards continue where rich mardi gras krewes such as Bacchus
are charged only $750.00 for police permits and poor social aid and pleasure
clubs are charged $4,000 for permits for smaller parades.

We condemn the double standards and demand that the important role that second
lines and social aid and pleasure clubs play in the positive image of New
Orleans. We ask that permit fees are waived for second lines. Stop the attempts
to crush our culture! Support our social aid and pleasure clubs! 
-----------------------------------------
sally


       
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