Women blocked off Linden Street on Friday night, and made sure no one would be allowed to get through, in an effort to create a place where they would feel safe.
“We have the power, we have the right to take back the night,” about 100 women chanted as they walked through the streets of East Lansing for the Take Back The Night March, as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The march started at Beaumont Tower and ended at East Lansing City Hall, 410 Abbott Road.
Event coordinator Tamika Payne led the women with a megaphone, shouting their message for everyone to hear.
“I am so amazed by the risks everyone is taking tonight to make sure our demands are heard,” the human biology senior said. “The turnout is great which makes our message stronger.”
Heckling by people waiting in line at bars and drivers trying to maneuver their cars through the crowd of women didn’t seem to frustrate the marchers who kept on shouting.
“We completely ignored everyone who tried to make this hard for us,” said women’s studies senior Jana Stoyanovich ,who participated in the march. “I think it shows how strongly people feel about women’s rights and the need to stop sexual violence.”
The self-proclaimed “radical feminist” said there were equally as many people who supported them by cheering with them out their windows and clapping as they walked by.
“We got a lot of great support from people in Cedar Village,” Stoyanovich said. “It was encouraging to know there are people who care about the efforts we are making.”
Social science senior Teresa Evans said she marched to help raise awareness of the need to stop rape and sexual violence against women.
“I have finally realized how often rape happens,” she said. “I want other people to realize how important an issue like this is.”
Evans said the march is also used as an outlet for women who have experienced sexual violence. She said it provides a chance for them to voice their anger and demand changes.
“Women who have suffered from violence like this need to know it’s not their fault,” Evans said. “This gives them an environment where they can identify with others and know they will be supported.”
Events for Take Back The Night also included the Mid-Michigan Clothesline Project, which displays T-shirts made by survivors of sexual violence.
From noon until dusk Friday, visitors to the clothesline were able to read the stories of women proclaiming they are not victims and they are not going to let what happened in the past have effects on the future.
There was also an opportunity for women to speak at an open microphone to tell their stories of survival.
“It’s really a big step for the people who are speaking out for the first time today,” said English sophomore Andrea Hart who stopped to look at the display. “It’s a very emotional experience and it makes sexual violence very real for the people who are listening.”
