The State : Thousands Protest Drugs

About 10,000 people marched in Oakland, decrying an image of leniency toward drugs promoted recently when thousands turned out for the lavish funeral of a slain heroin kingpin. “No longer can we watch as your communities become safe for the pushers and not for the people,” J. Alfred Smith, pastor of Allen Temple Baptist Church, told the crowd outside City Hall. Smith organized the “March for Righteousness,” sponsored by more than 30 organizations and individuals, which began with groups marching from Smith’s church and from Star Bethel Baptist Church, scene of the extravagant funeral for flamboyant Oakland drug czar Felix Mitchell on Aug. 29. Mitchell, who recruited children to help operate his drug business, was stabbed to death at Leavenworth federal prison, where he was serving a life term for conspiracy to sell heroin. “We’re showing our kids that the real hero isn’t Felix. It’s Jesus. And Jesus never snorted cocaine,” said marcher Denise Stovall while pushing her child in a stroller.