Red ribbon week

by Ashley Ramer

Last week was red ribbon week in Transylvania County. The community was encouraged to participate by hanging banners, wearing red ribbons and raising awareness in general.

Red ribbon week began in 1988, during the time of the drug war going on between the U.S. and Mexico, when Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, age 37, uncovered a multi-billion dollar drug ring which officers of the CIA and Mexican government may have been involved in. He was kidnapped and tortured and buried in a shallow grave which was discovered over a month later.

Many of his friends were devastated to hear he had been killed. Soon,  after learning the extent of his injuries, which he was forced to endure while alive and conscious, they started campaigning against drug use which soon formed into red ribbon week.

Red Ribbon week is now celebrated around the United States’ schools, teaching students to live a life free of drug use. Students are encouraged to wear red ribbons and teach those around them about the dangers of drug use.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to toolbar