Red Ribbons are so universally recognized as symbols of the fight against AIDS that many people think grew out of a spontaneous grass-roots movement. In reality the ribbons were introduced in 1998 by Visual AIDS a group of artists and others determined to heighten awareness of the disease. Noting the popularity of the yellow ribbons worn during the Persian Gulf War, they designed their own ribbon-a simple folded red band-and  sent it to organizers of entertainment events and  other trendsetters.  The emblem first worn by actor at the Tony Awards ceremony and later by Oscar nominees in Hollywood was soon throughout the world. The ribbons helped bring AIDS into the open and they have inspired innovative fund-raising efforts. Ad-vocation of other causes have since adopted their own ribbons pink for breast cancer research purple for the fight against urban violence and green for environmental concern.  

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