By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Port Hope’s Take Back The Night Committee has announced Oct. 10 for its 2019 rally and march at Memorial Park (the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Wendat peoples), with festivities set to kick off at 7 p.m.
Co-chair Lyss England described it in their press release as an opportunity to stand together in solidarity against institutionalized violence and oppression as a community.
“We welcome all to this inclusive and free event,” England said.
This community-based event was organized to protest the fear that women and trans people have walking the streets safely at night. It is designed as a grass-roots event that honours the experiences of survivors of sexual violence, sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence and survivors of state violence such as police brutality, racism, ableism, sexism and other forms of institutionalized violence.
Co-chair Avril Ewing said the fantastic support of the community has inspired this year’s theme – Building Community, Building Hope.
“The town staff have been fantastic to work with, and we have had a great list of local sponsors helping bring Take Back The Night 2018 back to Port Hope.,” Ewing said.
Take Back The Night 2019 sponsors include Long and McQuade, Lakeview Doggy Daycare and Boarding, Royal Ribbons, Elliot Insurance and Coffee Public.
The event begins with live music and spoken-word performances, followed by a march through the downtown core and back to Memorial Park, where the musical performances will continue.
“We encourage everyone to stay at the park after the march to enjoy music and to work towards building community together,” England said.
“There will also be peer support available for anyone who feels affected by the content or over-all subject matter addressed during the event.
Our goal is to make sure anyone who needs support gets it to the best of our abilities.
“While there is a time and a place to go deep into the darkness that gender-based violence can inspire, the aim of our event is for people to walk away at the end of the night feeling empowered and supported.”
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/takebackthenightph.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
