On Monday night, April 14th over 65 students and faculty came to the U.C. to support the first Take Back the Night event and bring sexual assault awareness month to the forefront.

Take Back the Night began 25 years ago in the U.S. The first TBTN event was held in Germany in 1973 as a response to a series of sexual assaults, rapes, and murders.

“It was good for all people to be made aware of what's going on. This is not a male issue, it's not a female issue, it's everyone's issue,” said Adrian Montague, a junior History major.

The event began with all participants getting a program with a list of chants for the night's march.

Students and faculty chanted out in unison “We are women, we are men. Together we fight to TAKE BACK THE NIGHT!” After marching pass the dorms and returning to the U.C. plaza Lt. Ray Coleman handed out candles for everyone to participate in the candlelight vigil.

There was a moment of silence for the remembrance of those abused, murdered, assaulted, stalked and harassed in our communities.

Dr. Graves, Asst. Prof of History and coordinator of the event spoke on the TBTN marches going on around the world and introduced the speakers for the night. Dr. Katie High, Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs graciously wrote an encouraging letter read by Dr. Graves. S.A.B.E.R. showed a video on sexual assault and Christine Ways, student coordinator, spoke on SABER's work this semester at UTM. Lt. Coleman, a UTM police officer gave an informative speech on “Sexual Assault Prevention.”

To conclude the speakers a lady from the Outback Program Domestic Violence Shelter shared the testimony of a survivor of violence. Dr. Graves opened the podium to any one who wanted to speak after the initial program ended. Some students shared poems of courage and hope.

“It was a very empowering meeting. The speakers really made me think about the issues”" said Olaiva Townsend, senior Psychology major.

Any students interested in helping with TBTN event for next year to make this a tradition at UTM contact Dr. Donna Cooper Graves at 587-7469.