WHAT IS RED RIBBON WEEK? It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. In 1985, angered by the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raising awareness of the destruction caused by drugs in the United States. In 1988, the National Family Partnership sponsored the first official National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon Campaign serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Since its inception in 1988, millions of people around the world have participated in the National Red Ribbon Campaign – and local youth are no exception.