Come 'Take Back the Night'

University of Arkansas to hold 14th annual Take Back the Night march on April 21 at 7 p.m.

It's on us! It's on us to assert that all human beings have the right to be free from sexual violence; the right to speak out against sexual violence and be heard; and the right to reclaim those rights if violated.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and for the 14th consecutive year, Northwest Arkansas' Take Back the Night march will be held Thursday, April 21.

Sponsored by the Pat Walker Health Center, STAR Central and RESPECT peer education group, this powerful and impactful night brings together community members for one common purpose - to speak out against sexual assault and relationship violence.

"Violence is a community issue that requires a community response advocating for cultural change," said Dr. Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert, director of STAR Central, Pat Walker Health Center. "Take Back the Night serves as a venue for community members to come together in a unified voice to speak out against sexual violence, be a catalyst for change and bring an end to [sexual] violence."

Thousands of Take Back the Night marches and rallies have taken place worldwide, and here in Northwest Arkansas, support has always been prevalent that this community stands together against these heinous acts of violence.

Scheduled events for the 14th annual Take Back the Night march include:

• 6:45 p.m. – Begin gathering at Fayetteville Square, Arvest Plaza
• 7 p.m. – Opening remarks from guest speakers
• 7:10 p.m. – March from Fayetteville Square to Old Main on the University of Arkansas campus
• 7:30 p.m. – Closing activities at Old Main

Activities at Old Main include keynote speaker Ro DiBrezzo, vice provost for Academic Affairs, a public speak-out, a candlelight vigil, live musical performance by the student band Mount Sonder and more.

All community members are encouraged to come out for this emotional and inspiring event. Commemorative "glow-in-the-dark" T-shirts are available at the Pat Walker Health Center, and at the event on a limited basis. Proceeds benefit campus rape awareness and prevention education.

For more information about Take Back the Night, go to respect.uark.edu.