Mychal Bell, a highschool sophmore from Jena, LA, is the first of the Jena Six to be tried and convicted. These six black youth are the only ones on trial, after a full year of race-baiting, intimidation and violent incidents between this rural town's white majority and black minority.
Louisiana blog CenLamar currently has a detailed history of the case (crossposted on Daily Kingfish).
The Six are now getting some more serious legal help. Bell's sentencing (originally scheduled for July 31) was moved to Sep. 20, at the request of his lawyers. They are moving to overturn the conviction.
A key claim is that Bell was tried in an adult court because he was originally charged with attempted murder. This charge was dropped, but he was not moved to a juvenile court. More details in the links above.
The Six's parents have a web site, and Color of Change and the ACLU are involved too. They still need all the help they can get - by spreading the word, by donations, and any other relevant means.