A night to make a stand
By Heather Embrey
hembrey@mscd.edu
More than 30 men and women marched Saturday night from the Civic Center Station in Denver to the Auraria Campus, marking the annual Take Back the Night celebration.
The movement began in Europe in the late '70s protesting assault and rape during the night. It was brought to America, and groups from all over the nation have collaborated and brought the march to their cities. This year, Denver celebrated the liberation of taking back the night in October.
Photo by Jonah Heideman heidemaj@mscd.edu
Members of the Fort Collins-based activist group Sparkle Motion participate in a candlelight vigil during the Take Back the Night rally at the flagpole on Oct. 22. The rally focused on women's rights and featured booths, speakers and music.
"We wanted to pick a night were we could all come together and have a good turnout," said Sara Miller, president of Breaking the Invisible Chain.
"This was a great night and it was full of energy."
Supporters of the event rallied on campus at 8:00 p.m. and cheered and shouted chants to make their voices heard through the darkness. Led by the Radical Cheerleaders, the group entered campus and was greeted by a banner held up by male students, brothers, fathers and friends, who had their hand prints painted on it. The banner read, "These hands don't hurt women."
"We enjoyed this march very much and were glad to come down to Denver," said the Radical Cheerleaders from the Fort Collins chapter. They came down to support their "sisters" and be reminded of the rally they held last April. As they marched onto the Auraria Campus, the Cheerleaders led the group in a chant of "Who's got the power? We've got the power! What kind of power? Lady power!"
Many organizations at the rally handed out information about victim advocacy.
NARAL Pro-Choice of Colorado was represented with the help of Gwendolyn Betty, who handed out pamphlets and brochures educating people on what their organization does in the government to allow safer environments for women. They campaign for the safety of women from both physical and mental violence, especially rape victims. One of their biggest campaigns has been to make emergency contraception available for victims of rape and assault.
RAAP, the Rape Assistance and Awareness Program, promoted their support of women taking back the night. They help women and men who are victims with advice and counseling.
Emily Steed sat behind the Colorado AIDS Project table and discussed ways to promote a safe and healthy life through AIDS prevention. Her organization promotes HIV prevention by allowing confidential and anonymous testing for AIDS and HIV. They support the Take Back the Night campaign by helping to take the fear out of being outside at night.