This year, we were lucky to have Invictus Images photograph Take Back the Night 2019. Thank you Invictus Images for the amazing photos and for donating your time! Check out more photos from the event here.
'Light out of Darkness': Ithacans rally against sexual and domestic violence at Take Back the Night
APRIL 27, 2019
BY DEVON MAGLIOZZI
If you or someone you know has been domestically or sexually assaulted, contact the police or the Tompkins County Advocacy Center. The center provides free services for people of any race, ability, religion, immigration status, gender identity or sexual orientation. The 24-hour hotline is (607) 277-5000 and more information about the center can be found here.
ITHACA, N.Y. – “Who’s in charge of your choices? Who’s in charge of your body? Who’s in charge of your consent? Who’s in charge of what you wear? Who’s in charge of your boundaries? Who’s in charge? Who’s in charge?" Naomi Barry called out to the crowd at Ithaca's 40th Annual Take Back the Night rally on Friday, as a strengthening chorus of "I am, I am, I am" echoed off the walls of the GIAC gym.
Advocates opened the night with a group chant, "Together we fight to take back the night." (Devon Magliozzi/Ithaca Voice)
The rally was moved indoors due to Friday's heavy rain, but domestic and sexual violence survivors, allies and advocates from Cornell, Ithaca College and throughout Tompkins County nevertheless turned out to join in solidarity and reclaim their power.
Barry, an adult community educator at the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, welcomed participants with a call to end the culture of victim blaming and impunity for perpetrators.
“We come together in a united voice," Barry said, "to protest the actions and attitudes that allow domestic violence to continue.”
Around the gym, signs proclaimed messages of strength: "Yes means yes, no means no, whatever we wear, wherever we go," and "Shatter the silence, stop the violence." Overhead, t-shirts from the Clothesline Project displayed words and art from domestic violence survivors in Tompkins County.
In the past year, calls to the Advocacy Center's 24-hour hotline increased by about 35%, according to a domestic violence counselor who spoke Friday. About 1,500 people affected by domestic or sexual violence turned to the center for support. Much of the uptick comes from the conversations started by the #MeToo movement locally and nationally, the counselor said, but there are still many people who don't come forward when they experience violence, or who aren't believed if they do.
The theme for this year's rally, "Light out of Darkness," called attention to survivors' stories that deserve to be heard.
A handful of stories were aired publicly Friday, as speakers took the mic to find strength in a room of supportive listeners. These were just a sliver of the stories of abuse at the hands of family members, partners, dates and acquaintances that could be found throughout the community. RAINN estimates about 17% of American women and 3% of men have experienced rape or attempted rape, and rates are higher for transgender and gender non-conforming people.
GIAC director Leslyn McBean-Clairborne was the night's keynote speaker.
"Tonight is about a light out of darkness. But we intend to do that not just tonight, but every night, every day, 365 days a year," said Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, director of GIAC and the night's keynote speaker.
McBean-Clairborne, who immigrated to the U.S. from Guyana, shared her story of growing up in a culture where women were seen as inferior, wives were treated as property of husbands, and "if your husband didn't beat you, it meant he didn't love you."
"Something deep inside me told me that that was wrong," McBean-Clairborne said. "I had to break the cycle."
She said speaking out against domestic violence led to being somewhat ostracized, "but that was alright with me if I knew I was taking back my power."
McBean-Clairborne recognized that even for allies it can be easy to fall into victim-blaming thought patterns, judging women for what they wear or how they act. But she urged everyone to notice and shift those patterns, when they catch themselves lapsing or hear others doing it. "My dress is not an invitation to abuse me, and neither is theirs," she said.
McBean called on the crowd to help each other take back power and to hold government accountable to creating policies and programs that curb sexual violence and support survivors.
Vice Mayor Deb Mohlenhoff read a proclamation declaring the city's commitment to listening to and supporting survivors.
"We recognize that the responsibility to bring an end to domestic and sexual violence lies with all of us, and whereas we acknowledge that our culture of victim blaming, patriarchy and sexism supports structures of power that leave oppressed groups vulnerable to violence while failing to hold perpetrators accountable… specifically highlighting the disproportionate levels of violence faced by women of color, individuals with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community… whereas this, Ithaca’s 40th annual take back the night theme ‘light out of darkness’ welcomes us to shine the light on survivors’ stories, survivors' courage and survivors' strength…. (the mayor) proclaims Friday, April 26 as the day to take back the night," the proclamation says.
The Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers invited survivors to claim their power with a rendition of "Sinnerman," made famous by Nina Simone.
Those who shared their personal stories Friday recognized the importance of being listened to and believed. They also called for action: for leaders in schools, community groups and government to protect them, and for the criminal justice system to hold perpetrators who they've named accountable.
Changing the culture will take time and tireless effort. As the room lit up with candles in show of solidarity, performer Angie Beeler sang over loops of her of own voice, creating ayers of harmony. "It's helpful to have back-up," she said.
APRIL 27, 2019
BY DEVON MAGLIOZZI
If you or someone you know has been domestically or sexually assaulted, contact the police or the Tompkins County Advocacy Center. The center provides free services for people of any race, ability, religion, immigration status, gender identity or sexual orientation. The 24-hour hotline is (607) 277-5000 and more information about the center can be found here.
ITHACA, N.Y. – “Who’s in charge of your choices? Who’s in charge of your body? Who’s in charge of your consent? Who’s in charge of what you wear? Who’s in charge of your boundaries? Who’s in charge? Who’s in charge?" Naomi Barry called out to the crowd at Ithaca's 40th Annual Take Back the Night rally on Friday, as a strengthening chorus of "I am, I am, I am" echoed off the walls of the GIAC gym.
Advocates opened the night with a group chant, "Together we fight to take back the night." (Devon Magliozzi/Ithaca Voice)
The rally was moved indoors due to Friday's heavy rain, but domestic and sexual violence survivors, allies and advocates from Cornell, Ithaca College and throughout Tompkins County nevertheless turned out to join in solidarity and reclaim their power.
Barry, an adult community educator at the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, welcomed participants with a call to end the culture of victim blaming and impunity for perpetrators.
“We come together in a united voice," Barry said, "to protest the actions and attitudes that allow domestic violence to continue.”
Around the gym, signs proclaimed messages of strength: "Yes means yes, no means no, whatever we wear, wherever we go," and "Shatter the silence, stop the violence." Overhead, t-shirts from the Clothesline Project displayed words and art from domestic violence survivors in Tompkins County.
In the past year, calls to the Advocacy Center's 24-hour hotline increased by about 35%, according to a domestic violence counselor who spoke Friday. About 1,500 people affected by domestic or sexual violence turned to the center for support. Much of the uptick comes from the conversations started by the #MeToo movement locally and nationally, the counselor said, but there are still many people who don't come forward when they experience violence, or who aren't believed if they do.
The theme for this year's rally, "Light out of Darkness," called attention to survivors' stories that deserve to be heard.
A handful of stories were aired publicly Friday, as speakers took the mic to find strength in a room of supportive listeners. These were just a sliver of the stories of abuse at the hands of family members, partners, dates and acquaintances that could be found throughout the community. RAINN estimates about 17% of American women and 3% of men have experienced rape or attempted rape, and rates are higher for transgender and gender non-conforming people.
GIAC director Leslyn McBean-Clairborne was the night's keynote speaker.
"Tonight is about a light out of darkness. But we intend to do that not just tonight, but every night, every day, 365 days a year," said Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, director of GIAC and the night's keynote speaker.
McBean-Clairborne, who immigrated to the U.S. from Guyana, shared her story of growing up in a culture where women were seen as inferior, wives were treated as property of husbands, and "if your husband didn't beat you, it meant he didn't love you."
"Something deep inside me told me that that was wrong," McBean-Clairborne said. "I had to break the cycle."
She said speaking out against domestic violence led to being somewhat ostracized, "but that was alright with me if I knew I was taking back my power."
McBean-Clairborne recognized that even for allies it can be easy to fall into victim-blaming thought patterns, judging women for what they wear or how they act. But she urged everyone to notice and shift those patterns, when they catch themselves lapsing or hear others doing it. "My dress is not an invitation to abuse me, and neither is theirs," she said.
McBean called on the crowd to help each other take back power and to hold government accountable to creating policies and programs that curb sexual violence and support survivors.
Vice Mayor Deb Mohlenhoff read a proclamation declaring the city's commitment to listening to and supporting survivors.
"We recognize that the responsibility to bring an end to domestic and sexual violence lies with all of us, and whereas we acknowledge that our culture of victim blaming, patriarchy and sexism supports structures of power that leave oppressed groups vulnerable to violence while failing to hold perpetrators accountable… specifically highlighting the disproportionate levels of violence faced by women of color, individuals with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community… whereas this, Ithaca’s 40th annual take back the night theme ‘light out of darkness’ welcomes us to shine the light on survivors’ stories, survivors' courage and survivors' strength…. (the mayor) proclaims Friday, April 26 as the day to take back the night," the proclamation says.
The Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers invited survivors to claim their power with a rendition of "Sinnerman," made famous by Nina Simone.
Those who shared their personal stories Friday recognized the importance of being listened to and believed. They also called for action: for leaders in schools, community groups and government to protect them, and for the criminal justice system to hold perpetrators who they've named accountable.
Changing the culture will take time and tireless effort. As the room lit up with candles in show of solidarity, performer Angie Beeler sang over loops of her of own voice, creating ayers of harmony. "It's helpful to have back-up," she said.
Take Back the Night 2018
Ithaca's 'Take Back The Night' rally
to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence
APRIL 25, 2018
BY ALYVIA COVERT
ITHACA, N.Y. – Hundreds of students and Ithaca community members are expected to march from several locations throughout the city to rally in support of survivors of domestic and sexual violence on Friday.
Take Back the Night is a worldwide event and one of the earliest global protests against domestic and sexual violence. Here in Ithaca, the rally is put together by The Advocacy Center, a local organization that helps survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
The rally is set to take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday on the Ithaca Commons, which marches beginning earlier.
Marches are planned from Ithaca College and Cornell University campuses and the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, and will all convene on the Ithaca Commons later for a larger rally. Students from Ithaca High School, Lehman Alternative Community School and Tompkins Cortland Community College are also expected to join the marches.
While students have a large part in the march, organizer Naomi Barry, who works at the center, said this year's march also focuses heavily on the larger community.
"The theme we chose this year was 'Justice for #MeToo,'" Barry said. "This came about for several reasons, primarily to highlight the importance of the #MeToo movement and how it brought things to the surface that people have been talking about for a long time."
With a planning collective that has been meeting since February, Barry said the theme was chosen as a way to show how many people the movement has impacted both globally and locally.
"As we live in a culture that silences survivors, this was really a way to show how many people the #MeToo movement has affected," Barry said.
This year, the rally will kick off with a proclamation delivered by Ithaca's Mayor Svante Myrick, Barry said.
David Isley from the House of Merlot, the GIAC Jumpers, Angie Beeler, Stacy Murphy and Colleen d'Alelio are also among performers who will present songs, dances and poems throughout the night.
This year's keynote speakers will include Athena Merlot, a founding member of The House of Merlot, and Liz Karns, a data analyst who studies the economic consequences of domestic violence.
"We've got so many amazing people lined up for the night, but of course, the heart of the rally is the speak-out portion where survivors have the opportunity to get on stage and tell their story," Barry said.
Marches are scheduled to leave from the Textor Ball at Ithaca College at 6:15 p.m, Ho Plaza at Cornell University and 6:30 p.m, and GIAC at 310 W. Court St. at 6:45 p.m. The rally is set to take place from 7 t0 9 p.m. on the Commons on Friday.
to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence
APRIL 25, 2018
BY ALYVIA COVERT
ITHACA, N.Y. – Hundreds of students and Ithaca community members are expected to march from several locations throughout the city to rally in support of survivors of domestic and sexual violence on Friday.
Take Back the Night is a worldwide event and one of the earliest global protests against domestic and sexual violence. Here in Ithaca, the rally is put together by The Advocacy Center, a local organization that helps survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
The rally is set to take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday on the Ithaca Commons, which marches beginning earlier.
Marches are planned from Ithaca College and Cornell University campuses and the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, and will all convene on the Ithaca Commons later for a larger rally. Students from Ithaca High School, Lehman Alternative Community School and Tompkins Cortland Community College are also expected to join the marches.
While students have a large part in the march, organizer Naomi Barry, who works at the center, said this year's march also focuses heavily on the larger community.
"The theme we chose this year was 'Justice for #MeToo,'" Barry said. "This came about for several reasons, primarily to highlight the importance of the #MeToo movement and how it brought things to the surface that people have been talking about for a long time."
With a planning collective that has been meeting since February, Barry said the theme was chosen as a way to show how many people the movement has impacted both globally and locally.
"As we live in a culture that silences survivors, this was really a way to show how many people the #MeToo movement has affected," Barry said.
This year, the rally will kick off with a proclamation delivered by Ithaca's Mayor Svante Myrick, Barry said.
David Isley from the House of Merlot, the GIAC Jumpers, Angie Beeler, Stacy Murphy and Colleen d'Alelio are also among performers who will present songs, dances and poems throughout the night.
This year's keynote speakers will include Athena Merlot, a founding member of The House of Merlot, and Liz Karns, a data analyst who studies the economic consequences of domestic violence.
"We've got so many amazing people lined up for the night, but of course, the heart of the rally is the speak-out portion where survivors have the opportunity to get on stage and tell their story," Barry said.
Marches are scheduled to leave from the Textor Ball at Ithaca College at 6:15 p.m, Ho Plaza at Cornell University and 6:30 p.m, and GIAC at 310 W. Court St. at 6:45 p.m. The rally is set to take place from 7 t0 9 p.m. on the Commons on Friday.
One again, Isabelle Levy, student at LACS, photographed Take Back the Night 2018. We were also graced with the talent of photographer, Aurora Golden. Thank you so much for donating your time, Izzy and Aurora!
Check out more of Isabelle's photography HERE
Check out more of Isabelle's photography HERE
Take Back the Night 2017
"Ithaca's Take Back the Night: 'We will not be silenced'"
by Jolene Almendarez of The Ithaca Voice.
ITHACA, N.Y. -- Hundreds of people marched from South and East hills and from a local community center to rally in the Ithaca Commons, standing in support of domestic, sexual and child abuse survivors.
Gathering together at the Bernie Milton Pavilion, the marchers extended nearly to Center Ithaca, sitting on the ground to listen to performers and speakers. Their message was clear: they were there to be seen and heard by the public, who were crowding nearby restaurants and bars on a warm Friday night.
The event was organized by the Tompkins County Advocacy Center and the 2017 theme for the event was 'Healing Through Storytelling.'
Organizer Naomi Barry, who works at the center, said the theme was intended "to highlight that healing is a process."
She said people's stories deserve to be heard, respected and accepted.
"We believe in our very core that all people deserve to be safe," Advocate Audrey McConnell said. "We will not be silenced."
Among the musical performers, dancers, and readings, a speak-out portion of the night gave people the opportunity to share their own experiences.
The public was asked not to take photos or use direct quotes from the speak-outs, but in by far the most moving part of the event, people chose to detail their own abuse, their road to healing and how they were working to overcome adversity.
Keynote speaker Michelle Courtney Berry spoke about her own abuse, along with the women in her life who've also been violated. (Her speech can be heard in its entirety in the video below, courtesy of The Advocacy Center Facebook Page. )
She said she once taught a class where the issue of sexual or domestic abuse was discussed and a member of the class asked for a show of hands from all the people who've experienced the trauma. She said 42 women -- all the women in the class -- and a few of the men raised their hands.
"And the men in the class said they had no idea," she said. "It's so true that a rape culture isn't normal but it has become normalized."
She said the burden is on everyone to teach their children about rape culture and the patriarchy, to hold elected officials accountable for funding and education programs, and to be committed to changing our own minds and expectations of people.
Berry said, "I'm tired of hearing that we might survive. I'm asking if we can thrive."
"By sharing your stories and rallying together, you are bringing truth to light. We are bringing the stories back about taking back this night. We will take back this night."
All photos by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice.
by Jolene Almendarez of The Ithaca Voice.
ITHACA, N.Y. -- Hundreds of people marched from South and East hills and from a local community center to rally in the Ithaca Commons, standing in support of domestic, sexual and child abuse survivors.
Gathering together at the Bernie Milton Pavilion, the marchers extended nearly to Center Ithaca, sitting on the ground to listen to performers and speakers. Their message was clear: they were there to be seen and heard by the public, who were crowding nearby restaurants and bars on a warm Friday night.
The event was organized by the Tompkins County Advocacy Center and the 2017 theme for the event was 'Healing Through Storytelling.'
Organizer Naomi Barry, who works at the center, said the theme was intended "to highlight that healing is a process."
She said people's stories deserve to be heard, respected and accepted.
"We believe in our very core that all people deserve to be safe," Advocate Audrey McConnell said. "We will not be silenced."
Among the musical performers, dancers, and readings, a speak-out portion of the night gave people the opportunity to share their own experiences.
The public was asked not to take photos or use direct quotes from the speak-outs, but in by far the most moving part of the event, people chose to detail their own abuse, their road to healing and how they were working to overcome adversity.
Keynote speaker Michelle Courtney Berry spoke about her own abuse, along with the women in her life who've also been violated. (Her speech can be heard in its entirety in the video below, courtesy of The Advocacy Center Facebook Page. )
She said she once taught a class where the issue of sexual or domestic abuse was discussed and a member of the class asked for a show of hands from all the people who've experienced the trauma. She said 42 women -- all the women in the class -- and a few of the men raised their hands.
"And the men in the class said they had no idea," she said. "It's so true that a rape culture isn't normal but it has become normalized."
She said the burden is on everyone to teach their children about rape culture and the patriarchy, to hold elected officials accountable for funding and education programs, and to be committed to changing our own minds and expectations of people.
Berry said, "I'm tired of hearing that we might survive. I'm asking if we can thrive."
"By sharing your stories and rallying together, you are bringing truth to light. We are bringing the stories back about taking back this night. We will take back this night."
All photos by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice.
Isabelle Levy, student at LACS, photographed Take Back the Night 2017. Thank you so much for donating your time, Izzy! Check out more of Isabelle's photography HERE
Take Back the Night 2016
"Ithaca community marches to take back the night"
|
By Annie Estes — Staff Writer
Published: May 1, 2016Though cold wind and rain persisted, approximately 200 Ithaca College students and community members remained in front of the stage on The Commons to offer support to speakers who told their stories as survivors of sexual assault. These “survivor speak-outs” were the focus of Ithaca’s 37th annual Take Back the Night, an event held at 7 p.m. April 29 to raise awareness about sexual assault and to support and honor survivors. The event began with a march organized by....continue reading at: http://theithacan.org/news/ithaca-community-marches-to-take-back-the-night/ |
Thank you to Aurora Golden-Appleton Photography for donating her time to photograph this event.
Take Back the Night 2015
"Ithaca rallies to support victims of domestic abuse, violence"
Ithaca, N.Y. — At the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, a crowd of about 25 continued to wait, hoping more people would show up for the community march to Dewitt Park.
“Tonight’s the night! It will be a chilly one,” warned a post on the event’s Facebook page. It seemed the cold might keep people away from Ithaca’s Take Back the Night gathering on Friday....continue reading at: http://ithacavoice.com/2015/04/ithaca-rallies-support-victims-domestic-abuse-violence/
“Tonight’s the night! It will be a chilly one,” warned a post on the event’s Facebook page. It seemed the cold might keep people away from Ithaca’s Take Back the Night gathering on Friday....continue reading at: http://ithacavoice.com/2015/04/ithaca-rallies-support-victims-domestic-abuse-violence/