Alan Howard an attorney, met Jesse Ray Beard, the youngest of the African-American teens who made up the Jena Six, in January 2008 when he began representing him in a lawsuit filed by beating victim Justin Barker. Beard, 18, now interns at a New York law firm as he prepares for his senior year next month at Canterbury School, a Connecticut prep academy where Beard is highly regarded among peers, teachers and coaches.
Howard said his first impression of Beard -- that he had "tremendous character, tremendous resilience and tremendous potential" -- was so strong he invited the teen to live with his family in New England. The Howards say Beard meshes seamlessly. Though he struggled with the curriculum at Canterbury, a Catholic school in New Milford boasting a six-to-one student-teacher ratio, he is seeing tutors and showing improvements.
Around the house, he's a big brother, said Howard, whose children welcomed Beard immediately."My kids were the ones who said, 'If it means getting out of Jena, let him stay here,' " Howard said. "My 14-year-old son said, 'He can share my room,' and he doesn't even let his 11-year-old brother in his room." "He's just another member of the family," Jessie said. "Now, when people ask me how many brothers I have, I say three, not two."
Beard said he could never be proud of his involvement with the Jena Six, but he believes God put him through tribulations to deliver him to a better place.
"I'm not glad it happened, but I'm glad I came to a good family," he said.
See? We're always on our grind. There is never a slow news day on Planet Jackson!
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