MARCHERS PROTEST SUBSTANCE ABUSE

For Devon Adams, it was a personal journey, a chance to show he had
overcome drug addiction and that others can do the same.

Standing just a few feet away, Ben Edwards was at Thalia Mara Hall on
Saturday to let others know there's someone who cares and wants to help.
The two men were among more than 50 who joined in a downtown walk against
drug and alcohol abuse, sponsored by STAAAND UP (Standing Together Against
the Abuse of Alcohol N Drugs, United in Prayer). The first-time event,
supported mostly by members of various Jackson churches, was an awareness
campaign that led marchers from Thalia Mara to the Gateway Rescue Mission
on Gallatin Street.

"We all know somebody who has a problem with drugs or alcohol," said Marla
Johnson, a walk coordinator. "We're starting here, but we will make it a
national event."

Police officers provided an escort.

Adams, 42, has been clean from drug and alcohol abuse for 11 years, he said.

"The power of God come to me and loosened me from that bondage," he said,
getting ready to march. "This is for all of those going through the struggle.

"It's for this city, state and country."

Larry Magee, 56, handed out a small sheet of poems, all of them warning of
the dangers of alcohol abuse.

"(Substance abuse) is running rampant in our city, and we're making a
stand," Magee said.

Some of the marchers carried small banners, one with just "Jesus" written
on it.

Edwards said he came to the march to let others struggling with addiction
know there's help waiting on them.

"We're hoping people see there's somebody that cares," he said.