(Harlem, New York)—New York City youth will tell the world what stands between them and drugs as they join the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign at the 21st Annual Entertainer's Basketball Classic in Harlem on Monday. Hundreds of kids from local schools and community centers are expected to showcase their creativity and personal anti-drug commitment by painting a brightly colored mural in Rucker Park.
"Enabling youth to artistically express what matters most in their lives sends a powerful message to the entire community," said Dr. Don Vereen, Deputy Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). "The mural project gives kids a unique opportunity to showcase their 'Anti-Drugs' and inspire their peers to stay healthy and drug-free."
Maria Disla, a New York City resident and one of several youth featured in recent ONDCP Anti-Drug ads, is expected to attend the event. Disla said, "I don't do drugs for multiple reasons. My hobbies are going to the movies, listening to music and dancing. Of course softball is my #1 Anti-Drug." An ONDCP print ad features Disla swinging a bat at a pill, rather than a ball.
The Anti-Drug mural event is being held on the first day of the Entertainers' Basketball Classic, a nine-week basketball tournament that runs through August 16. On average, over 2,000 people attend the nightly games that have traditionally attracted well-known celebrities and professional athletes. In addition to the Anti-Drug mural event, substance abuse prevention will be highlighted during the games, as the basketball court at Rucker Park will display: "Basketball. My Anti-Drug."
Local community groups collaborating with ONDCP's Media Campaign include Art Start, The Minisink Townhouse, ASPIRA of New York, the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation, Harlem YMCA, Kaplan House, Jackie Robinson Recreation Center, Stay Strong Foundation, and the Noticias del Mundo's Newspaper in Education program. The mural design was developed by SHiNE (Seeking Harmony in Neighborhoods Everyday).
The "What's Your Anti-Drug" message is part of a nationwide initiative that has reached millions of kids since it was launched late last year. More than 85,000 kids have responded with Anti-Drugs that have included sports, art, music, photography and poetry. Youth are encouraged to participate in the initiative by contributing their Anti-Drugs to www.freevibe.com.
For additional information about the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, visit www.mediacampaign.org
