San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and  Guest VIP’s Speak at Local RED RIBBON Rally

The rally is an annual tradition and kicks off Red Ribbon Week, which is observed nationally Oct. 23-31. The Red Ribbon campaign began as a grassroots movement to honor the memory of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was kidnapped, tortured and killed in 1985 by drug dealers in Mexico. The campaign has grown in to a major, national anti-drug awareness week, reaching millions of students each year. Communities and schools across the country annually observe Red Ribbon Week by holding educational events aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug use.

Ms. Jeans, DJ with the BEAT 98.5, was the Master of Ceremony and she rallied the students to live a drug free life.     Mayor Julian Castro took a few minutes away from his Council meeting day to speak to the students about the importance of staying drug free and encouraged them to do their best.  The students also heard from Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, Erin Barry who represented the District Attorney’s office, Bexar County Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz, and Police Chief William McManus.  DEA Group Supervisor Nancy Sanford shared the Red Ribbon history and famed Tejano singer Patsy Torres, along with her Positive Force Tour Dancers, gave a special performance.

Following the event, the students traveled to Austin where they met up with 800 other students to rally on the Capitol steps and to participate in a mock legislative session in the House and Senate Chambers.

Students attending this year’s state event hailed from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Pflugerville and Austin.  This year’s Red Ribbon Rally featured red t-shirts, emblazoned with the State Capitol motif and “Rise Above Drugs” as the rally cry for students.

This year’s event was made possible by San Antonio Fighting Back, Inc. in collaboration with; The United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, City of San Antonio, Ivy Taylor -- City Council District 2, San Antonio Police Department, San Antonio Police Officer’s Association, Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, Patsy Torres LPD., San Antonio Water System, Rosemary Delivers and the Alamodome.