Despite his own personal horror story, former NBA basketball player Chris Herren was able to overcome the hardships of drug addiction and tell students nationwide about the “monster” that controlled his life for 14 years. He now works to make a difference in teenagers’ lives across the nation, including nearly 900 people at First Flight High School on Monday, Jan. 14.

Herren, following the legacy of basketball players in his family, was under the spotlight from the beginning of his high school career at Durfee High School in Fall River, Massachusetts. He went on to attend Boston College. In the following years he won many titles, some of which include, Boston Globe player of the year, Gatorade player of the year, and was also named a McDonald’s All-American player.

As the hype continued, Herren began to balance two lives, a basketball player and a hidden drug addict. Herren began using cocaine and as a result left Boston College to attend Fresno State University from 1995-1999, where he began using heroin. In 1999, Herren was selected by the Denver Nuggets in the second round with the 33rd overall pick in the NBA draft. Afterwards, he was soon traded to the Boston Celtics, the team he dreamed of playing for since he was a little boy. Being close to home however allowed the drug addiction to progress. Even when he played out of the country, Herren was always able to find a way to get drugs.

Herren’s 14 year drug addiction started after using cocaine two Boston College students challenged him to use in his dorm room. This mistake would rule his life. Each opportunity he got for a second chance, whether it be his teammates, basketball coaches, family, rehabilitation centers, Herren continuously went back to his drug habit ways.

With much support, Herren is now four years sober.

The Herren Project, a 501 (c)3 non-profit foundation established by Herren, founded Project Purple. “It (Project Purple) was launched to break the stigma of addiction, bring awareness to the dangers of substance abuse and shed light on effective treatment practices,” according to GoProjectPurple.com.

Inspired by a group of students wearing purple shirts to signify sobriety in their high school, Herren initiated Project Purple in 2011. A young girl, one of the purple group, stood up in front of her entire school and told Herren their reasonings for wearing the purple. Herren was motivated by their story, and chose to take a stand as well and pledge to always be on the “purple team”, according to GoProjectPurple.com.

Jan. 11-14 marked the official 2013 launch of “Going Project Purple”. This four day event involved schools across the nation standing up against substance abuse by wearing purple shirts and awareness wristbands that say “Project Purple” according to GoProjectPurple.com

First Flight, Manteo and Currituck County High Schools, as well as the Dare County Alternative School and local businesses such as Coastal Edge, Stack’em High, Outer Banks Sports Club and various others on the Outer Banks went “purple” for the four day launch to show support and to welcome Herren. Southern Bank and Max Media were large sponsors of the festivities. The launch involved schools across the nation standing up against substance abuse by wearing purple shirts and awareness wristbands that say “Project Purple” according to GoProjectPurple.com

The Outer Banks was chosen by The Herren Project to kick off Project Purple 2013 because of the student led dedication throughout 2012. Herren spoke at three different schools, Manteo High School, Dare County Alternative School, and lastly First Flight High School. Each school was decorated with purple and students wore purple to honor Project Purple.

Prior to visiting the Outer Banks, Herren visited Duke University in Durham, N.C. where he attended a Blue Devils basketball game.

The OBX Project and Southern Bank hosted a fundraiser to welcome Herren as well as kick off the official launch of Project Purple 2013. This time was used to give student ambassadors, the FFHS Varsity Mens’ basketball team, and adults in the community a chance to hear Herren’s story as well as see the impact he has had on so many peoples’ lives. The event was held Sunday, Jan. 13 at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. All proceeds from the fundraiser are going toward expansion of the OBX Project.

Herren was given a standing ovation after his speech. The attendees were “astounded” according to FFHS senior basketball player Noah Whitfield, who later went on to introduce Herren at Monday’s assembly at FFHS.

“I think that he had a positive impact on a majority of the audience, including me,” Whitfield said.

The trip to the Outer Banks had a lasting impact on Herren.

“It’s had a huge impact on me, coming down here and seeing signs on the road, walking into the school and seeing magnets on lockers,” Herren said. “Today walking into the gym and seeing kids dressed in purple all over the place, it was extremely humbling, it was great; it’s an honor to participate in this.”

As a father of three, Project Purple has had a special meaning to him and his family.

“It (Project Purple) has had a great impact on me as a father because my kids wear purple, they know the message; my son walks around, goes to school in purple, and his basketball team warms up in purple, just like First Flight,” Herren said. “It’s pretty special because even at a young age they know the message behind it. It’s not just a color to wear on one day or one week, it’s a lifestyle, it’s changing, it’s willing to be yourself 24/7 and that’s tough. It’s a tough thing to ask but we can do it.“

Herren’s visit to the Outer Banks had an impact on others as well.

“He (Herren) is very inspirational and it’s something that I’ll never forget. I hope students really got something out of it,” sophomore Mary Kate Davidson said.

Whitfield concurs.

“I thought that Monday was the best day that I’ve had at First Flight. Herren is the most inspiring speaker that I’ve ever listened to,” Whitfield said.

In his speech Herren stressed the value of second chances in his life and to those who took the Project Purple pledge .

“I think if you mess up, you brush yourself off and get right back up. It’s not an exclusive deal,” Herren said. “Kids are going to make mistakes, that’s part of it. I made mistakes, I make mistakes today. I made hundreds of mistakes with drugs and alcohol, but I had second chances. I wouldn’t be here it it wasn’t for them, so there’s always a second chance.”

Herren’s advice to teens is to be confident enough to be themselves not only in school, but out of school as well.

“Always stay true to you, don’t change, you’re perfect,” Herren said. “It’s a very hard age, I think most kids feel – as I said in the speech – that drinking or smoking makes them more comfortable, tougher, prettier, and stronger. That’s not the case; that’s what Project Purple is about.”

Send comments to taliaferroka0725@daretolearn.org

Photo by Nic Nelson