"The National Action Network" Jena, Louisiana 2007

"The National Action Network" Jena, Louisiana 2007

This photograph features a professionally produced sign that clearly identifies the institutional force behind the demand for justice at the 2007 Jena Six protest. The sign belongs to the National Action Network (NAN), a prominent civil rights organization.

The sign's visual design includes the NAN logo—a graphic featuring a cross and scales of justice—with the enduring civil rights slogan: “NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE.” The primary text of the sign is the direct, uncompromised demand: “FREE THE ‘JENA’ 6.” This message frames the march as a necessary action to restore order and stability by first addressing the legal injustice suffered by the teenagers.

The bottom of the sign further emphasizes the organizational weight behind the protest by naming the leadership of NAN: Reverend Al Sharpton as President and Reverend Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson as Chairman. By displaying this official banner, the photograph illustrates that the massive demonstration was not simply a spontaneous local event, but a strategically organized effort mobilized and led by established national civil rights figures. This institutional backing provided essential structure, resources, and visibility to the fight for the Jena Six.