Oakland rapper Mistah F.A.B says he has no regrets after police arrested him on illegal fireworks charges on Wednesday.
“This is the sacrifice you make when you stand up for the community,” he said.
The high-profile artist and community activist, whose real name is Stanley Cox, posted a video on the Fourth of July that prompted police to search his house and businesses.
According to court documents, police found a stolen gun at Mistah F.A.B’s home and multiple boxes of fireworks at his downtown Oakland business Dezi’s Lounge.
“I love my community. As I say if I’m guilty of anything it’s organizing and galvanizing and bringing a safe space for community members from all walks of life to enjoy a good old Fourth of July firework show,” he said.
Mistah F.A.B says setting off fireworks is a neighborhood tradition in Oakland. He insists the event was safe.
“I’m guilty of organizing an event bringing a community together in a village, a kumbaya. So we can have a fireworks show in our neighborhood, where kids can feel safe. I’m guilty of that?” he said.
“That’s not a way to bring joy. It’s about public safety. I grew up here when it comes to fireworks were out of control,” City Councilmember Noel Gallo said.
Gallo says he’s surprised and disappointed. Especially because he says Oakland has worked so hard to send a clear message that fireworks are dangerous and illegal in the city. In fact, fireworks sparked multiple fires in the city over the Fourth of July and left the streets a complete mess. Gallo helped clean up much of the aftermath.
“I think definitely he needs to apologize to the community, the community that we represent that we’re here to serve that has supported us in the past and there needs to be certainly an apology to the neighborhood,” Gallo said.
Mistah F.A.B says he’s staying positive and urges the community to do the same. He says he’s focusing on his next community project: a school supply giveaway next month.
“Showing up for the community and this is what happens. I wanna let the community know I’m not gonna stop showing up for y’all. I’m gonna continue to keep putting on for these kids. Just so these kids can see a positive light in their community,” Mistah F.A.B said.
The artist pleaded not guilty in court Friday morning to two misdemeanor charges of possession of dangerous fireworks and one misdemeanor charge of receiving stolen property.