By Amber J. Adams

Staff Writer

Carrying a plastic bag filled with ink pens and stationary, Cornell Gaulmon, a senior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, addressed a group of students last week about the importance of taking a stand for what they believe in.

"College is known as a time to find yourself and be active," said Mr. Gaulmon, president of the UTC chapter of National Associated for the Advancement of Colored People. "The biggest rallies and cultural changes happen on college campuses. You get to impact people you normally can't."

The students were gathered to participate in a letter-writing campaign, organized by the campus chapter of the NAACP, on behalf of six black, high school students in Jena, La. Five of the students initially were charged with attempted second-degree murder (charges later were reduced), after being accused of beating a white classmate until he was unconscious during a fight at their school.

The case has captured the attention of national leaders, civil-rights activists and college students alike as the defendants face trial. Many allege that punishment for black students has been harsher than punishment for white students in continuing altercations between the races at Jena High School.

On Sept. 20, more than 10,000 people traveled to Jena to participate in a march of support for the six students.

Members of UTC chapter of the NAACP spent several days passing out petitions, asking students to wear black in support of the march and writing letters to Louisiana government officials.

Jim Hicks, associate dean of students at UTC, said student activism is not unusual to see on the modern college campus. He said some campus organizations such as College Democrats and the Young Republicans are frequently active in bringing national issues to campus attention.

"We have noticed that for the past few years, each freshman class is more in tune with those types of issues," he said. "Injustice anywhere affects you. Those are good lessons to learn."

Jasmine Crowell, a UTC freshman and a member of the campus chapter of NAACP, sat at a table in the University Center for hours to ask students to sign petitions and donate money for the cause.

"I am showing that everyone can come together and help make a difference," she said. "I like to give back to the community."

Dr. Jean Howard-Hill, a political-science professor at UTC, said it is beneficial for students to get involved in national issues.

"We are not living in a vacuum here at the university," she said. "What is going on in the real world impacts them. This is where they learn to become participants by researching the issues, establishing a position and coming up with a plan to execute that position."

Technology played a part in spreading the word about the Jena Six among college students across the country. Students such as Mr. Gaulmon used the social networking site Facebook to organize events and rally for or against the cause.

"Because I am on the move, being able to get on Facebook and create a group or an event helps," he said.

Facebook has more than 500 groups devoted to the Jena Six topic. The groups represent several states and universities.

Despite the availability of technology, Mr. Gaulmon said nothing can take the place of explaining the issue in person.

"We caught people off-guard in the University Center," Mr. Gualmon said, "We would say, 'Hey, have you heard about this?' That was the biggest thing we have done."

Damon Scott, a UTC senior, said signing the petition made him feel like he was making a difference. "I hope we can get more of the campus involved," he said.

For some students, the need to participate in activism events stimulates their college experience.

"I feel like I should be a part of something that students can really care about," said Chris Smith, a UTC freshman. "They (NAACP) took the time to put up posters and talk to people. I want to get involved."

Regardless of personal positions on any issue, Jestine Mayberry said college students should seek information on national and global topics.

"I think that as college students we should make it our responsibility to know about it," said the UTC senior. "I think we need to hold ourselves responsible for getting the word out."

Mr. Gaulmon said he is impressed with the results of their campaign so far. More than 400 signatures and $150 were collected in two days.

"If you can impact one person that makes a difference," he said. "Without struggle there is no progress."

E-mail Amber J. Adams at aadams@timesfreepress.com