UMBC’s Take Back The Night took place this past Thursday, April 14th. It was a very powerful evening, featuring a survivor speak-out, a march against sexual violence, and recuperating with craftivism and community resources!
Couldn’t make it? Check out this recap from the evening!
The night began with an introduction by the emmcees and march leaders, Kayla and Sarah.
A bird’s eye view captured from The Commons second floor.
The floor was then opened to survivors to come forward and share their stories. Women’s Center student staff member, MJ poignantly pointed out the moments of silence between stories.
After a few minutes of silent reflection, many people came forward to share. Every person who came up to the mic showed incredible bravery and helped empassion the audience to break the silence around sexual violence.
A huge crowd gathered to support survivors
A major takeaway from the night
Next came the march around campus! At this point in the night, the everyone gathered together to directly disrupt rape culture and call out sexual violence. We began the march from the Main Street, walked towards True Grits, through Academic Row, and back towards The Commons through The Quad.
The march Passes the Physics building
A beautiful shot of the march in front of the Library
1,2,3,4 WE WON’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!
Headed towards Academic Row
The night concluded in a craftivism session. People sat down to create Monument Quilt squares, “Dear Survivor” scrapbook pages, and survivors created t-Shirts for the Clothesline Project. People came together to create while listening to some empowering tunes and snacking on cookies.
![IMG_3108[1]](https://womenscenteratumbc.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/img_31081.jpg?w=562)
Reflection and Action.
Take Back The Night 2016 was a huge success! Thank you to all of the volunteers and UMBC staff members who helped make this event run smoothly and thank you to all who came out to support survivors and fight against sexual violence!
To all UMBC survivors of sexual violence –
We see you. We believe you. It is not your fault. You are not alone.
The Women’s center staff thanks everyone for TBTN 2016!
Just a reminder for those who might not have been able to attend, there are many resources available to you, both on and off campus.
Title IX and UMBC’s Interim Policy on Prohibited Sexual Misconduct and Other Related Misconduct