Kent State students gathered in front of the MACC to start the Take Back The Night (TBTN) march Tuesday. The international rally began in the 1970s as a form of protest against rape and other forms of sexualized violence.

 TBTN is hosted every year by the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services (SRVSS). Julius Payne,  the program coordinator for SRVSS, said the event is an opportunity for both allies and survivors to stand in solidarity.

 “It’s a way to empower individuals who have been victimized to take back the night, to feel safe walking on campus or around the community,” Payne said.

Nathaniel Smith, one of the speakers at the rally, said he was moved by the burning ceremony at the event, in which participants burned written names, events or things they wished to let go of.

“The burning I thought that was amazing to be able to write things down and burn them,” Smith said.

Smith said he was moved by the ‘Speak Out’ after the burning ceremony, in which students were invited to share about their past experiences. 

“Being able to speak out about our stories I thought was amazing,” Smith said.

Emma Van Winkle is a photographer. Contact her at [email protected].