Jena 6, the Black netroots & the importance of media literacy
Recently, a storm has brewed over allegations by popular radio host Michael Baisden that progressive advocacy group, ColorofChange.org, has defrauded one of the Jena 6 families.
It is a serious, unsubstantiated and ridiculous charge from a man who took the lead in the corporate radio community to advocate for and promote the Jena 6. But that said, while we're all entitled to differing opinions, we're not entitled to different facts.
Afro-Netizen unequivocally supports ColorOfChange.org. They represent the future and power of renewed civic engagement in our communities. They honor the spirit of generations of Blackfolk and other freedom-fighters who organized around the message instead of merely venerating a given messenger.
ColorOfChange.org promotes and thrives on decentralization, diffusing influence and resources to individuals from all walks of life to get involved in ways that the cults of charismatic leadership discourage and corporate media fear.
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Just a Thought
I'm not taking sides in this, but I'd need to see a great deal more than canceled checks to determine the veracity of any claims made here. I'd need to know the financial controls established by COC.org to process the receipt and documentation of payments. I'd need to see their general ledger. I'd need to see if any proceeds were retained. I'd need to see bank account statements, monthly financial statements, cash flow analyses and the pattern of payments/withdrawals for general COC ops - just to be sure.
Canceled checks are only the beginning of the process. Even an annual audit would not be compelling unless it was done in a specific way. I read Audit Reports all the time which fail would fail to capture misappropriations of funds. The focus of an auditor (and the detail of their approach) can vary considerably. I hope that cooler heads prevail and approach this rationally. Disclosure is important - and if the group is willing to practice sufficient disclosure, there is no room for grandiose accusations in the media.
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Having read the COC defense, it seems like they have met a high bar of reporting and demonstrated a willingness to provide clear evidence of ethical behavior. Not that I feel the need for an extensive back and forth on this - it shouldn't be that deep...after all, $200k is pennies...but Baisden's camp needs to address the substantial defense (beyond canceled checks) put forth by COC.
In any event, it's not full disclosure, but it's a start. And COC would not be the only entity subject to full disclosure. Since Baisden has chosen to levy these charges, his process for fact checking should be on the table as well. Sloppy journalists should catch the same heat as sloppy accountants.
"we're not entitled to
"we're not entitled to different facts"
That's a joke, right? Cuz if we all shared the same facts, Jena would not be a news item right now. The news spectacle that is Jena is built on lies and distortions.
You should take a side now.
You should take a side now.
Cuz if we all shared the
Some of us have facts. Some think they have facts. Some straight lie.
And if the DA and Mayor hadn't spread the lies there would be no spectacle.
You know what, dsf? That line of inquiry is closed 'round these parts. There's plenty of places where you can find support.