19th Annual “Take Back the Night” Against Sexual Violence

by Ellis Eskew

It was a night to let their voices be heard.

“It shows support for other survivors. Those who don’t feel like they have a voice to speak up, we’re here,” said Yolanda McKennon.

Survivors and their supporters marched up Dexter Avenue to the Capitol steps.

“No means no!” said a crowd of chanters.

It’s all in efforts to carry out the mission to “Take back the night” by taking a stand against rape and other forms of sexual violence. 

Those  gathered at the Capitol steps heard a message from a survivor.

“I want them to know that it happens. It’s ok that it happened to you or someone that you love. And if it does happen, they need you. We need you to tell us that it is ok. And that we are not alone because the worst feeling in the world is to feel victimized or hurt or feeling alone,” Jamesha Henderson.

They let their voices and balloons fill up the night’s sky.

Lighthouse Counseling Center holds the Take Back the Night once a year.
But their doors are always open for anyone who needs their help.

 “Anyone who is currently going through a sexual assault or even molested years ago, what I would like for them to know is that there is help, there is hope and there is healing,” said staff member Shanon Adedokun.

If you need to get in touch with the rape crisis line, call 334-213-1227.