Take Back the Night

Take Back the Night, held Friday October 10th at First Grace United Church of Christ in Akron, turned out to be an exceptional celebration of empowerment for women and awareness raising of the sexual violence that is inflicted on women worldwide. The Rapce Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties hand in hand with Akron Area NOW, UA’s Women’s Studies, L.I.P. Service, and Summit County Sexual Assault Coalition truly brought together a community of warriors as they packed into the hall, both men and women, ready to listen, ready to voice, and ready to take back the night.

Speakers such as, Summit County Prosecutor Sherry Bevan Walsh, Plain Dealer reporter and author of Beyond Rape: Rape Victims & Survivor Stories, Joanna Connors, and Local Arts Advocate, Ericka Abram, captured audience attention with their each uniquely different stories and voices, but all with the same message: sexual violence against women must be stopped. In addition, they all seemed to say or at least hint at the solution: communication. We must give voice to the victims/survivors of these crimes; we must voice our own fears about our potentiality of being a victim; we must voice how outraged we are that this is a reality that so many women face; we must voice the true nature of the beast and rid our society of the stigmas and myths associated with these violent acts; we must share our stories; we must rise from beneath the silence and take back the night.

These weren’t the only highlights. Tables were set up providing a plethora of information, cookies, drinks, and social interaction among both volunteers and participating community members all coming together for the same cause. Simultaneously there were other activities to partake in: a Labyrinth walk, drumming, a quiet room and viewing room, all there as supportive and healing features as a part of this event.

Take Back the Night came to a close with the annual march. The swarm of participants lined up in the parking lot, posters and chants ready, and made a block starting and ending back at the church. Chants were shouted in unison and echoed in the night air for the entirety of the walk. A community came together that night to stand up against something terrible, but also something that is capable of changing with more effort from all of us.

For those of you who were unable to attend the event you have truly missed out on an unforgettable and moving experience. Not to worry, next year will be come and although I would like to promise there won’t  be a reason for next year’s Take Back the Night, I know that sexual violence will not end that quickly. Please, keep in mind then that next year you can come and help us take back the night.