Drug-fighting heroes honored at ceremony

Drug-fighting heroes honored at ceremony

Some of New York’s true heroes in the fight to keep kids off drugs were honored by the Foundation for a Drug-free World as part of the UN’s International Day Against Drug Abuse.

The Truth About Drugs Campaign is part of the world’s largest non-governmental anti-drug program, a program in 80 countries from Argentina to Taiwan, with 161 drug prevention groups in 150 cities worldwide.

The core of the program is the distribution of more than 22 million copies of drug info booklets, and a set of award-winning anti-drug videos in 20 languages.

At the event, the Foundation for a Drug-free World shared the spotlight with local activists who have shown “the heart and the courage” to work effectively against drug abuse in schools.

Presenters included celebrity activist Suzanne Africa” Engo, star of the documentary film I Love Africa and founder of Cause Media Group, giving an award to Scott Anthony Robinson, creator of his own “Vision Warrior” program through which he communicates his own experience with drugs.

Also receiving awards were Sgt. John Crowley, Midtown North Police Precinct: and Latoya Hill and Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center Students.

Detective Adam Berish of One Police Plaza and Federico Perez of Bronx Congressman Jose E. Serrano’s Office, presented the two awardees.

Mr. Perez gave individual medals to the students of Stanley Isaacs who conducted their own Truth About Drugs event in May including Bronx residents Denese Charlemagne and Karimah Mogent.

The South Bronx’s Vision Steppers closed the ceremony performing three powerful songs with more than 25 dancers.

“More than 50% of students have taken illegal drugs before they are 17,” says Meghan Fialkoff, New York director of the Foundation for a Drug Free World/Truth About Drugs campaign.

“Parents and teachers know that the most effective weapon on the war on drugs is education, and we are beginning to bring that weapon to bear in a serious way.”