For some, an opportunity to share. For others, a night of solidarity for those affected by violence. And for many, a promise to have an impact.
Hundreds of University of Idaho community members attended Take Back the Night Thursday, hearing personal stories from students and messages of support from UI administrators.
ASUI President Max Cowan said Take Back the Night is a powerful event and serves as a reminder of the student community”s power.
“When we come together, we have the opportunity to change our campus, our community and the world,” Cowan said.
Kira Hunter | Argonaut
Students march together in silence down Hello Walk during the Take Back The Night rally and march held Thursday.
The stories, Cowan said, make the event particularly moving.
“Toddler years remembered by days without tears, seldom and far between”¦This cycle has to end,” said UI senior and Co-Chair of FLAME Mimi Price, reciting a poem to the crowd. “Too many lives have broken down, too many times I made no sound.”
Then the next poem.
“Take off your shirt. And reveal what, cracked ribs? Is my bra still sexy with all these bruises? She died right where we stand, is that funny to you?” said Samantha Hansen, committee member of Campus Culture and Climate Assessment and Continuous Improvement. “We are told that we are lucky, someone wants us so badly, enough to risk anything, even our own lives.”
Then, UI junior Jessy Forsmo-Shadid addressed the crowd to speak about her own history with violence.
“My goals? To give people strength, love and courage through my voice. I want you to know that I am not a victim, I am a survivor, just like you,” Forsmo-Shadid said.
After the poets finished, the audience moved outside to collect glow sticks and prepare to march silently. As they waited, many wiped tears from their faces and hugged one another.
Throughout the march, Erin Simmons, sexual assault advocate at Alternatives to Violence on campus, and Charles Morrison, licensed psychologist at the Counseling and Testing Center, were standing by to offer support for anyone who felt emotionally impacted by the event.
During the first portion of the event, Vice Provost of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Jean Kim gave some insight as to why Take Back the Night is so important.
“Take Back the Night has grown to encompass all forms of violence against all persons “¦ It is to advocate for the right of everyone to feel safe from sexual violence,” Kim said.
Bekah MillerMacPhee, assistant director for programs at the Women”s Center, also spoke at the event and thanked students for showing up in support of each other.
“What makes this night a living, breathing event is you all in attendance. The many faculty, staff, administrators and of course, you, the students,” MillerMacPhee said. “You make this event significant.”
Diamond Koloski can be reached at [email protected] or on twitter @diamond_uidaho