Take Back The Night

Hundreds of people gathered at Monument Square for our 30th annual Take Back the Night (TBTN) March & Rally on Friday, April 29, 2011. This year’s theme, “30 Years Strong” reflected on what we have accomplished over the last 30 years. The event opened up with a exhilarating performance by bellydancers from Magnolia Devi Dance Company. Vanessa Torres & Emily Dix Thomas serenaded the crowd again this year with their beautiful musical compositions. And members of Port Veritas read powerful poems about their experiences with sexual assault.

Our keynote speaker was Lois Reckitt, Executive Director of Family Crisis Services, the domestic violence agency serving Cumberland County, Maine. Lois read the same speech she gave 30 years ago at our very first TBTN event, with a few updates.  She commented that she was surprised that so much of her speech was still relevant. SARSSM was also honored by the appearance of Rep. Chellie Pingree, who spoke about the challenging facing women’s rights on the Federal level.

This year’s event was planned in collaboration with 21 Reasons, Boys to Men, Center for Preventing Hate, Family Crisis Services, Preble Street, RAD & the Amy St. Laurent Foundation, the University of Southern Maine, community artists and local youth. Thanks to the City of Portland for sponsoring our TBTN event and to all whose generous contributions and volunteerism made this event possible. A special thank you to all who rallied and marched with us!

WOMEN & MEN UNITE! TAKE BACK THE NIGHT!