n Red Ribbon week

gets the word out

By Lisa Voyles

Chickasaw Journal

HOUSTON - Red Ribbon week was celebrated in the Houston School District last week with speakers and programs delivering an anti-drug/alcohol and smoking message. As each school presented age-appropriate programs, one guest fit the bill at all four schools, presenting his message with humor and basketballs.

Buffy Coleman, world renowned basketball magician and trick artist, brought his skills, talents and motivational words to the students in the district last Tuesday. While juggling balls and performing various tricks, he let youth know exactly where he stands on drug use.

"When I was a kid, back in Heflin, La., I had goals in life," Coleman said. "Because of basketball, I've been able to see the county and you can do the same but you've gotta believe in yourself."

Coleman related a story of his teen years when he had several "friends" who got involved with drugs and alcohol. He told students that while he was working to achieve his goals, they were ending up in trouble and in jail.

"It's very, very important to live your dreams and to do that you have to come to school each day and do your very best," Coleman said.

Red Ribbon week is held in public schools nationwide each year to reinforce the anti-drug message and was created in honor of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena. Agent Camarena exposed a multimillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Mexico. He was kidnapped and murdered by drug lords following the bust and his home state of California began a push to support the anti-drug cause in his honor.

In 1988, Red Ribbon week was recognized nationally with President Ronald Regan and First Lady Nancy regan serving as Honorary chairs.