“We have the power; we have the right! The streets are ours, Take Back the Night!” These are just some of the many chants that take place during the rally and march of Take Back the Night. Take Back the Night started in the 1970s all across the country to raise awareness about domestic violence and violence against women. Safe Harbor and partners in Sheboygan are hosting their 3rd annual rally on Oct. 12, 2023.
The event begins at Sheboygan Peace Park from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., where there will be food trucks, sign-making, poetry, Hmong dance performers, and keynote speaker Toni White. After these events, the march begins, and people will chant as they walk to Sheboygan Rotary Park. Upon arrival, dedications are shared, following a moment of silence, and at the end, everyone releases purple flowers into the river in Rotary Park.
Professor Burns added, “It’s solemn, but it is really empowering – The march is such an experience.”
Participants can make posters declaring what they stand for and what they fight for. They are also dedicated to specific people who have gone through, or know someone who has experienced, sexual violence or domestic violence. They also highlight all of the different cultures that reside in Sheboygan. A lot of diverse people are affected by this, and Sheboygan strives to be inclusive and support everyone through this event.
An anonymous student stated, “Going to the rally last year really gave me perspective on the amount of people who are affected by domestic violence. People were telling stories about their families, friends, and neighbors. I felt really empowered being there, hearing these stories, and experiencing what I did.”
Professor Aimee Burns also supports this event, as she stepped in to help the 2nd annual Take Back the Night rally and will be taking part in the 3rd annual rally as well.
“I’ve been trying to get word out about the event to have students write about Take Back the Night here in Sheboygan because Sheboygan is a part of the greater Lakeland story.” Professor Burns stated.
With October being Domestic Violence Awareness month, this event gives everyone the opportunity to come together and bring awareness, show support, and highlight what domestic violence looks like. Safe Harbor, volunteers, and the community make this event special, and they create a safe place for every survivor, friend or family of a survivor, and all of their supporters.