Since the early 1970s, Take Back the Night has been a worldwide event for those who actively stand against sexual and gender-based violence. TBTN is about the power of speaking out. Rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, and domestic violence are often labeled “crimes of silence” because of low reporting rates and social stigma. By breaking this silence, TBTN reminds survivors know that they are not alone, and that these crimes will not be tolerated or left to go silently into the night.
2020 Take Back the Night
For the past fiver years the Brace center has organized a Take Back the Night march and vigil at Phillips Acadmey to stand in solidarity with all survivors and speak out against sexual assault, harrasment, and gender-based violence. Traditionally, our program has ended with a community circle on Abbot Campus uniting us in light and love.
While we are not able to gather together physically, many members of the extended PA community still stand together in support of survivors through song, dance, poetry, and word. Brace students and adults have worked together to create a video version of Take Back the Night that includes all of these messages of support and love. Our hope is that this video will unite us all in support of survivors and in the fight to end gender-based violence.
This video, and its content deals with topics related to sexual assault, harassment, gender based violence, and self-harm. If you are feeling triggered or need a safe space, please visit some of these resources (https://bit.ly/tbtn_resources). Ensuring safety for yourself is a sign of strength, not weakness.
This video will go live on the evening of May 19th, 2020 – at the time that we would be starting this event on campus. It will be available for viewing for a limited about of time.
If you are able, please join the Brace Center for a community conversation following the release of this video.
Take Back The Night with Brace
When Flavia asked me to make the Take Back the Night march and vigil an annual event for the Andover community, I did not know what I was getting myself into, but I’m glad I did. There is nothing quite as beautiful and solemn as watching candles light up hundreds of faces, faces of faculty, staff, and students alike. As I witnessed the courage and self-direction of Brace’s student leaders, I understood that hope and imagination are the brightest contributions towards justice that these young activists and organizers offer us.
–Kay Heffernan, Teaching Fellow in English & Brace Center Advisory Board Member
Brace Center for Gender Studies 