Contact: Anna Hain, graduate assistant Women’s Center, 308-865-8279
Kearney, Neb., April 3, 2013 — The UNK Women’s Center will host “Take Back the Night,” on April 11, at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The free, public event will begin at 7 p.m. with keynote speaker Angela Rose followed by a drag show performance, a walk to 25th Street for a peaceful demonstration against violence, and a 10:30 p.m. rally at Copeland Fountain. Food and entertainment will be part of the rally.
The Women’s Center, with the help of the Queer Straight Alliance, organized this event to educate UNK and the Kearney community about issues related to violence against women and minorities.
“Take Back the Night first appeared in Europe in 1976, and has continued throughout the world as a sign of empowerment for women, men, and children,” said Anna Hain, graduate assistant for the Women’s Center.
“At this event, we hope to highlight the idea of empowerment or giving respect and acceptance to individuals,” said Matt Mims, UNK professor in Counseling and School Psychology Department and adviser for QSA.
Keynote speaker for the night, Angela Rose, is a nationally recognized advocate for women’s rights and education of women’s issues. In response to her own abduction and sexual assault, Rose spearheaded the movement that ended with the passage of the 1998 Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act in Illinois, and founded Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment. This national community-based nonprofit organization uses social, educational, and legislative tactics, and is committed to ending sexual violence through education and empowerment.
“We are hoping that whether before or after April 11, every person will join us in bringing issues like this to light, which will promote the safety and respect of individuals in our communities,” Hain said.
“This year, along with the serious side of our discussions and marches, there is also a lighter entertaining side to illustrate that we need to look beyond gender stereotypes and general misperceptions,” Mims said.
The schedule of events for the Women’s Center Take Back the Night event is: 7 p.m., Angela Rose, keynote speaker in the Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa Room; 8 p.m., drag show performances; 10 p.m., Take Back the Night march to 25th Street for peaceful demonstration against violence; 10:30 p.m., Copeland Fountain for food, music and performances.
For more information about the Women’s Center or Take Back the Night, visit www.unk.edu/offices/womenscenter.
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-Adrianna Tarin
