JENA – As thousands of protesters surged into Jena to show support for what has become known as the Jena 6, the roar of motorcycles boomed through the town 3,000 residents call home.
Julie Williams, member of the Nubian Nation Female Motorcycle Club, said she rode from Charlotte, N.C., for the protest because radio personality Michael Baisden called bikers to attend.
“We heard him make a call on air for all bikers,” Williams said. “And if you know about bikers, we’re one of the tightest-knit communities around. Where there is a cause to ride for, they’ll come out, and they’ll come from everywhere.”
Ervis Malveau rode from Baton Rouge to Jena with nearly 500 other members of his motorcycle club, 21st Century Motorcycles.
“When we know something [unjust] is going on, we ride to support it,” Malveau said.
Lawrence Owenes, of Smoother Riders from Atlanta, Ga., said bikers love to ride and they jump at the opportunity to support a cause while riding.
Kendall Roy, who rode from New Orleans with the Wolfpack Club, said his club caravanned with others to help increase the number of bikers at the protest.
“Bikers are already a brotherhood,” Roy said. “No matter where you go, motorcyclists in general tend to stick together. We figured it would be a good cause for everybody to come out here to show our support.”
Williams said bikers can relate to the Jena 6 situation as they are oftentimes victims of stereotypes.
“We face more of a stereotype for bikers than about race,” Williams said. “But when we see injustice anywhere, it’s an injustice against us. It’s important for us to be here today and to stick with each other.”
Merschelle Braswell rode to Jena from Shreveport with seven other members of her club, the Road Lions.
“All the bikers came out for a common cause,” Braswell said. “And 20 years from now, people will probably still remember the injustice that happened to these students. We just hope we can help change things.”
—Contact Nicholas Persac at [email protected]