Martin Luther King Jr. Day is usually a day of reflection for the civil rights leader's impact on society. But this year, the day of peace will meet opposition. The Nationalist Movement, a controversial Mississippi-based organization, was recently granted permission to hold a rally entitled "Jena Justice Day" on Monday after it launched a lawsuit against Jena, protesting its mayor and a controversial ordinance. The ordinance requires participants to set aside $10,000 for possible damages that could occur during the rally. It also requires groups to sign an agreement to pay for all damages and refrain from carrying fire arms. Richard Barrett, Nationalist Movement leader, said the rally will protest Jena 6 and the celebration of Martin Luther King. Barrett is concerned that events such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and organizations such as the Black Panther Party and the Malcolm X Society are attempting to fragment the United States. "We see how the country is breaking up," Barrett said. Barrett claims Jena's protest ordinance stipulations are unconstitutional, but he said he would not have a problem telling rally participants to leave firearms at home or locked in the trunks of their cars. The Nationalist Movement sued the city and Murphy McMillan, the mayor of Jena, in mid-December. Barrett said his organization does not want to abridge the amendments of the Constitution. "All [Jena has] to do is stipulate 'Jena Justice Day' activities," Barrett said. McMillan refused to comment about the lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Dee Drell ruled Jan. 11 that the Jena ordinance concerning protests is unconstitutional. Drell found the $10,000 bond requirement made it difficult for less affluent organizations to express their views. "We're working with the state police to make this a safe event," Barrett said. McMillan said Jena will act in compliance with Drell's ruling. "Knowing now that the ordinance is faulty, we are in the process of correcting it," McMillan said in a news release. The Nationalist Movement encourages "Jena Justice Day" protesters to carry signs, march in a parade, sign a petition and speak during the open-mic session. Speakers such as politician James L. Hart and Larry Darby, the runner-up for Alabama Attorney General, are also planning to speak at the rally. Besides the speakers, no one else is being bused in for the event. "This is being conducted principally for the people of Jena," Barrett said. "Participation depends on how the town wants to be perceived." Mark Potuk, a member of the civil rights organization Southern Poverty Law Center, said he would be disappointed if the rally became a reality. "I don't think [Jena Justice Day] will be a pleasant day for Jena," Potuk said. "But unfortunately, that's the price you pay for democracy."
---- Contact Ashley Lopez at alopez@lsureveille.com
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