Take
Back the Night
The
first Take Back the Night event began in England in 1877 as a women
only protest against the violence and fear women encountered walking
the streets at night. The first Take Back the Night March in the USA
was held in San Francisco in 1978 to protest violence against women,
particularly sexual assault. Since then, Take Back the Night events
have spread across the nation broadening in perspective and taking
on many forms.
There
is no "correct" way to organize a Take Back the Night March
and rally. Organizers must decide for themselves what is most effective
and empowering for their community. Some events are loud and noisy
with chanting and singing, while others are carried out solemnly by
candlelight. Many organizers have included a speak-out at their events
to give survivors the opportunity to express themselves.
The
Bozeman Take Back the Night March is sponsored by the MSU VOICE
Center, Men Stopping Rape, The Network Against Sexual and Domestic
Abuse, the MSU Women's Center, the Help Center, and Students Against
Sexual Assault. This years' event will be held
on Thurdsday, April 24th, 2008 @ 6:00 P.M. when we will convene in
front of the Courthouse (on Main and Third) and march from the courthouse
downtown to the MSU-Bozeman campus where we will hold a rally and
speak-out in Ballroom D of the Strand Union Building.
"Never
let the hand you hold, hold you down."
-Author
unknown
