Central State University to host Take Back the Night on April 9

Annual event encourages communities to unite against sexual violence 

Central State University will host a candlelight vigil and campus walk from 6-7:30 p.m. April 9 as part of the international Take Back the Night movement. 

Take Back the Night (TBTN) is the oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence, according to its website. For over 60 years, TBTN has brought together people of all demographics with a shared mission — to end all forms of sexual violence and support survivors on their healing journeys. 

CSU Counseling Services Director Dr. Sonia Hunt said the event, which will be held outdoors at William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium, will raise awareness about sexual violence, including sexual assault and abuse, trafficking, stalking, gender harassment and relationship violence. It also is a show of solidarity for survivors of sexual assault and aims to promote a violence-free campus.  

Participants will meet at 6 p.m. April 9 at the University Student Center to begin a walk around campus, ending at the university football field. Glenn Harris of the Domestic Violence Network and survivors will speak during the ceremony.

Painting the Jeans

In preparation for TBTN, Central State will host a Painting the Jeans event from 12-2 p.m. April 2 in front of the University Student Center. Students and other participants are invited to paint jeans, bags and signs to be used on the night of the walk. Signs may consist of quotes, chants and words of encouragement.  

The public is invited to attend both events, which are supported by Title III funds.  

Central State is now accepting donations of washed, gently used jeans to provide more students with opportunities to participate.

Donations may be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through the morning of April 2 at Harry M. Lackey/Benjamin F. Lee Health Center at Central State University, 1400 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce, Ohio 45384. 

The event is sponsored by Counseling Services, the Campus Violence Prevention Program, Ohio Domestic Violence Network, Unspoken Courage, and Breaking Free to Be Inc.