Kiki knew something had to be done to stop drugs and help his friends. His mother knew his work could be dangerous, and she tried to talk him out of it. “No,” he told her, “even if I’m only one person, I can make a difference.”
His mother was right. Kiki’s work was often dangerous, and lonely. Old friends turned against him. But Kiki kept on with the fight against drugs.
He was such a good agent that he was sent to work undercover in Mexico. For weeks, Kiki lived among the drug lords to gather information and evidence. Just when his work was almost done, they found out who he really was. They kidnapped, tortured, and killed him. After a month, his body was discovered and returned home to his family.
Kiki gave his life in the fight against drugs. He gave his life trying to help others. To honor him, his family and friends wore red ribbons. As his story spread across the country, others began to wear ribbons, too. Now, every year millions of Americans celebrate Red Ribbon Week (October 23rd-31st) to remember Kiki and to take a stand - just as he did - against illegal drugs.
Kiki set an example for all of us. He showed us how one person can change things. And he became a hero. All he wanted to do was make a difference. We hope somewhere, somehow, he can see what a difference he’s still making today.
The “The Red Ribbon”, A Story of Hope” Storybook is dedicated to Kiki. It’s about people who learned that they can solve problems when they work together, and that one by one they can make a difference. Kiki would have liked that.
For more information on the storybook or "Kiki" Posters, visit “The Shop” in the “The Red Ribbon Store” section of this web site.
For more information on Kiki, visit The Enrique “Kiki” S. Camarena Educational Foundation.