October 22 - October 26 marks Hinds Community College's annual celebration of Red Ribbon Week, which is sponsored by the Associated Student Government (ASG).
Red Ribbon Week is an annual event that takes place nationwide to spread awareness of alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention. This event has taken place every October since 1985 after the kidnapping, torture and murder of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. 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 in 1988.
The week kicked off Monday with the campus being decorated in red to show its support for drug and alcohol awareness. Pictured above, ASG Vice President Christi Reynolds is showing her support by wearing red and passing out red ribbons to spread awareness of Red Ribbon Week.
Tuesday morning started off with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) which was sponsored by Sharon Alexander District Coordinator of Student Conduct/Develpment on the Raymond campus, presenting students with information on binge drinking and other alcohol related problems. In addition to receiving information, students also participated in this event by signing a petition to support the fight against underage drinking. After the M.A.D.D. team left, ASG members made their way to the court yard for Walking Dead Blackout. This event consisted of students having their faces painted and wore signs with true alcohol and drug related death stories.
Wednesday night, ASG will be sponsoring a Red Sock Hop dance in the Mayo Gym from 8:00 - 10:30 p.m. Admission to this dance is $2 or three canned goods. All canned goods will go towards ASG's can drive for the stew pot. Those coming to the dance, please show your support and wear red.
To spread drug and alcohol awareness on a more personal level, ASG will be standing near Denton Hall's computer lab as well as the media center to help students log in to their go. Hinds accounts to take a drug and alcohol survey. Members will be available in these areas on Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thursday night, a Flashlight Vigil will be held in the library starting at 7:30 p.m. This will consist of students sharing stories about drug and alcohol related issues whether personal, of friends, or of family. If you have not faced any of these issues, you can come out and support those that have.
Red Ribbon Week will be ending with a performance of "Thriller" by Hinds' very own Montage Dance Company. The performance will be held in the courtyard at noon.
Whether you live on campus or not, come out and show your support for Red Ribbon Week.
