Rally draws big-name entertainers

The (Alexandria, La.) Town Talk

Several prominent black entertainers plan to participate in Thursday's rally in Jena.

"Free the Jena Six Rally and Concert" organizer Catrina Wallace said rappers Lyfe Jennings and David Banner will perform at LaSalle Parish Ward 10 Recreational Park in Jena.

Other scheduled artists include Hurricane Chris, Cupid, Unk, DJ Bay Bay, Trill Ent, Big Boom and 2Throwed, Sunni Patterson and Stooge's Brass Band.

Other entertainers who are not affiliated with Wallace's production but have confirmed appearances are rapper/poet Mos Def, comedians Steve Harvey and Rickey Smiley and radio show host Tom Joyner.

Syndicated radio show host Michael Baisden will broadcast his show from Jena on Thursday.

Television talk-show host and author of "Snakes In the Pulpit" Reuben Armstrong plans to be in Jena on Wednesday and Thursday.

"If this happened to a Caucasian, we'd be there fighting, too," Armstrong said. "It's not even a black and white thing we are fighting. It's a right and wrong thing."