Let Me Clear My Throat: Is Race an Issue In Court Rooms?

Historical civil rights figure Rev. Jesse Jackson is set for an appearance in Oklahoma City today to attend a public forum on possibly appealing the conviction of Oklahoma State University baketball player Darrell Williams. This is yet another attempt to right a wrong that occurs all too often in today’s society, but it is especially saddening when it happens to a young athlete with a promising future and an All-Big 12 Academic spot to boast. Tommorrow, Williams is expexcted to be sentenced on two counts of rape by instrumentation. Williams’ supporters not only include his teammates, who call him a “big brother” figure, and his coach, who allowed Williams to practice and kept his name and spot on the roster as a symbol of his allegiance, but also the University’s NAACP chapter, and their belief is race was a component. You see, Williams is black, while the two plaintiffs are both white. Also the jury was without a single, black face. Cue Jesse Jackson. Not to make light of the situ...