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Creola Cotton thanked protesters for supporting her daughter's cause.

PARIS, Texas — A Dallas radio DJ led a caravan of protestors to Paris, Texas on Tuesday.

Rickey Smiley of KBFB-FM (97.9 "The Beat") said a judge was racially biased when he sentenced 14-year-old Shaquanda Cotton, an African-American, to up to seven years in the juvenile system for pushing a teacher.

"My daughter's been down a year now," Creola Cotton told dozens of protesters standing in the rain outside the Lamar County Courthouse Tuesday morning. "It's time for her to come home."

Many of the protesters are angry because a 14-year-old white girl convicted of arson was sentenced to probation. The NAACP's local branch has called for Shaquanda's release.

"The Pledge of Allegiance is for some; we need the Pledge of Allegiance to work for all," said Shantel Wadley, who had traveled to Paris to be part of the peaceful demonstration. "We stand here coming together to show the world that we're about to make a change."

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Dozens of protesters stood in the rain outside the Lamar County Courthouse.

The district attorney said Cotton was imprisoned because her family refused a plea deal.

Police could be seen videotaping the rally from an upper floor of the courthouse. The rally ended without incident about 90 minutes after it started.

"I'm just so thrilled to see all of you out today in support of my daughter," Creola Cotton said. "It's just an outpouring of love and support that I never thought I would get."

E-mail greaves@wfaa.com