Racism in the US

Category: Race and Ethnicity

Alex, Anna, Charlotte, Kevin, Louis
Victims of Racism in the US
* Racism in the United States began as early as when the first European settlers arrived. Native Americans were persecuted throughout American history.
* Slavery also plays a big role in the history of American racism. Black people have been discriminated against ever since the slavery first began. Even post-civil rights movement, racist incidents against blacks continue to occur.
* Racism is so prominent in American society also because America is a melting pot. Since immigration began in the United States there have always been ethnic groups that have been persecuted.
* Divided ethnic groups and socio-economic groups have led to many racist sentiments in the United States as well.



Jena 6

* The Jena 6 is a group of six black males who attended Jena High School in Jena, Louisiana
* They were charged with the beating of a white peer following a number of racist incidents in the town including a noose being hung on the tree where the black men had requested to sit
* The situation sparked a national protest because of the belief that the boys charges’ were excessive and racially motivated

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* The top picture shows Reverand Al Sharpton with Mychal Bell, the only member of Jena 6 to be tried
* Many Americans outraged by the incident have joined together in protest which in large part contributed to Bell’s conviction to be overturned. Bell now has a retrial scheduled for December 2007, public support continues to grow