Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States.

History

Murder of DEA agent

Red Ribbon Week began after the kidnapping, torture and brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985. Agent Camarena had been working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico for over four years. His efforts led to a tip that resulted in the discovery of a multimillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico. The successful eradication of this and other drugs production operations angered leaders of several drug cartels who sought revenge. As a result, they murdered key informants and then, on February 7, 1985, they kidnapped Camarena and his pilot, Captain Alfredo Zavala-Avelar (taken separately on the same day).

Soon, representatives of the Mexican Federal Judicial Police (MFJP) presented a tip to DEA Agents claiming that Agent Camarena had been mistakenly kidnapped by a man and his three sons. The MFJP informed the agents that a raid of the man's ranch in Angostura would take place the following morning and invited them to come. However, the MFJP raided the ranch before DEA agents arrived. During the raid, they shot and killed five individuals. Not long after, a passerby discovered the bodies of both Agent Camarena and Captain Zavala-Avelar by the side of the road not far from the ranch.

The DEA's investigation revealed that Agent Camarena had been tortured extensively before he was murdered. Audiotapes of the torture showed that medical doctors actually kept Agent Camarena alive in order to continue the interrogation. Evidence collected revealed that both Agent Camarena and Captain Zavala-Avelar were initially buried in one location and then moved to the ranch where they were found.

The terrifying events that followed Agent Camarena's disappearance were chronicled in U.S. media, exposing the world of drug trafficking including how far drug traffickers would go to maintain power and control.^[1]

National prominence

After the men were found murdered, citizens in Camarena's hometown of Calexico, California donned red ribbons in his honor.  The red ribbon became their symbol for prevention in order to reduce the demand of illegal drugs.  California Congressman Duncan Hunter and teacher David Dhillon launched "Camarena Clubs" in California high schools.  In 1986, club members presented a proclamation to Nancy Reagan, First Lady of the United States, who had initiated nationwide anti-drug programs.  The following year, parent teacher organizations in California, Illinois and Virginia wore the red ribbons in late October and November.  In 1988, the first National Red Ribbon Week was organized by the National Family Partnership (NFP), proclaimed by the U.S. Congress and chaired by Nancy Reagan.^[2]

Henry C. Lozano, who was Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of USA Freedom Corps from September 11, 2007 until July 25, 2008, helped to launch Red Ribbon Week in 1985.  In 1985, Lozano, along with the Californian’s for Drug Free Youth Board of Directors, created the first Statewide Red Ribbon Campaign in memory of his High School friend, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent.  With the support of Congressman Duncan Hunter and City Councilman David Dhillon, Lozano helped to promote “Camarena Clubs” in Imperial Valley, California, Camarena’s home. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others on behalf of all Americans. From these clubs emerged the Red Ribbon Week campaign, and during the administration of President Bill Clinton it grew into a nation-wide service effort that touched the lives of millions of school-aged children.^[3][4]

Henry Lozano with young guests from Calexico High School in California, where the Red Ribbon Campaign began in 1985.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s website says that: “Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena’s memory and further the cause for which he gave his life.  The Red Ribbon Campaign also became a symbol of support for the DEA’s efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education programs.

By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October and throughout November, Americans demonstrate their ardent opposition to drugs.  They pay homage not only to Special Agent Camarena, but to all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation’s struggle against drug trafficking and abuse.”^[3]

According to the DEA and the National Family Partnership, approximately 80 million people participate in Red Ribbon events every year.^[1]

(see also Red_ribbon for information on other events using Red Ribbon symbol (such as International World Aids Day).

Annual tradition

Today, the Red Ribbon Celebration (October 23rd-31st) brings millions of people together to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and encourage prevention, early intervention, and treatment services. It is the largest, most visible prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States.

The Enrique S. Camarena Foundation was founded by Enrique Camarena's widow Mika, their son Enrique Jr. and several DEA and Border Patrol Agents who knew Agent Camarena in order to honor this American hero.

The National Family Partnership (NFP), the national Sponsor of the Red Ribbon Campaign, provides information, resources and merchandise for school and community agencies. Every year, a new theme is selected through a National Contest, sponsored by NFP. The 2011 theme, created by Debbie Stewart in Van Vleck, Texas is "It's Up To Me To Be Drug Free."

The Red Ribbon Coalition provides training and support to school site prevention coordinators and other volunteers responsible for hosting Red Ribbon Week at their school sites.

See also

• War on Drugs
• Just Say No

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "DEA Kicks-Off Red Ribbon Campaign" (Press release). The U.S. Department of Justice website, Office of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). October 20, 2009. http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr102009.html. Retrieved November 7, 2009. 
2. ^ http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1988/101988d.htm
3. ^ ^{a b} "Red Ribbon Week" (Press release). The U.S. Department of Justice website, Office of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). October 23–31, 2001. http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr101501.html. Retrieved August 17, 2009. 
4. ^ "Red Ribbon Week 2008". CADFY website home page. 2008. http://www.cadfy.org/. Retrieved September 7, 2009. 

External links

• Enrique S. Camarena Foundation
• The National Family Partnership
• The History of Red Ribbon Week
• Red Ribbon Coalition
• Red Ribbon Schools
• Red Ribbon Week Activities
• Red Ribbon Week coloring pages
• Prevention Partners Red Ribbon Week page
• Celebrating Red Ribbon Week
• Red Ribbon Week Drug Prevention Facts from NIMCO, Inc.