Tuesday, March 2, 2010

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT 3/23, 6-10pm: The Commons

Take Back the Night is a night dedicated to raising awareness about ending sexual assault and violence against both men and women on college campuses and around the world. The event increases community awareness about sexual assault, serves as a voice for men and women to speak out about their experiences, and empowers each of us to take action.
6pm: Musical and dramatic performances
6:45pm-7:30pm: Dr. Rachel Griffin, Keynote Speaker. The speech is a PASSPORT EVENT.
7:30pm: Speak-out and a candle-lit march around campus.

1 comment:

  1. Carrie Barbagallo

    The Keynote Speaker at this event, Dr. Rachel Griffin, made an incredible speech the night of Take Back the Night. Her speech, actually the entire night, reminded me very much of a Poetry of Revolt. Dr. Rachel Griffin tells her story about being raped and a victim and advocate for others of gender violence in order to raise awareness. She prompted the audience before she told her story letting us know that her story will be sad and hard to hear, and then she said "as it should be." She cried as she walked the audience through the night of her rape reminding us that it still hurts her today, many years later. She reminded us how important it is to "break the silence" and speak out in order to help end assault and violence around the world.
    After her speech concluded, a number of people, including myself, spoke out about their experiences. Each broke the silence and I am proud of everyone who rose up and spoke out. Even for those who did not speak out, they had the strength to attend the event and support bringing sexual assault and violence to an end. This again, I feel was a contribution to poetry of revolt as we worked to "break the silence" and change the wrong in this world.
    Lastly, the night ended with a candle-lit march, which was a silent "poem" of revolt in order to remember the victims and survivors of violence.



    Just for a general comment: Remember that if you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault or intimate partner violence, you can call C.A.R.E. (Campus Assault Response). The number is on the back of your JACard (540-568-6411), a trained member will be available to talk with you 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The phone calls are confidential.

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