Sexy and cute, radical to boot, angry and tough — these women say they’ve had enough of sexual assault.
Thursday in the EMU Amphitheater, more than a hundred people gathered to cheer on a group of 11 radical cheerleaders dressed in bright clothing at the ninth annual Take Back the Night rally.
The radical cheerleaders have been supporting women’s empowerment throughout this year and have performed at the rallies “No More Silence” and “No More Curfews On Campus.”
“We are political activists,” radical cheerleader Mary Ann Gates said. “We are radical women cheering about the power of women to take care of themselves at night.”
Take Back the Night, hosted by the ASUO Women’s Center and Sexual Assault Support Services, started with a singing performance from reggae artist Norma Fraser, who used to sing with Bob Marley and The Wailers. University students Martha Mosqueda and Rachael Opperman also gave singing performances at the event. Mosqueda performed songs she had written, while Opperman performed one by singer Tori Amos.
Along with the singing performances, the event featured a number of speakers. Womenspace member Stephanie Carnahan spoke about same-sex partner violence, while Eugene citizen Sherri Wright talked about transgender issues. In addition, University Counseling Center psychologist Jon Davies spoke about men and their alliance against sexual assault. South Eugene High School student Sifra Morrison also talked about youth issues and the need for justice for young women.
Women’s Center Sexual Violence and Prevention Coordinator Tammy Wise said the group wanted to put this event on because they wanted to empower women and survivors, while educating and spreading the word about violence. She said the justice system oppresses women because it does not effectively prosecute rapists.
Women’s Center Events Coordinator Heather Mitchell said she believes this event is pertinent right now because of the current attacks on campus, and she believes women should be empowered and not feel afraid to walk at night without a male escort.
Following the speeches and singing performances, the group marched from the amphitheater to downtown Eugene at the intersection of Eighth Avenue and Oak Street, carrying signs that read “No Woman Should Fear Night” and “Fight for Your Right.” Marchers chanted about uniting to end sexism and racism. The march was separated into “three designated safe areas,” with women in the front, followed by “gender queer” people, or those who do not identify with a specific gender, and a space for everyone — men and women — in the back.
“We really wanted to create a safe space for women because they are the primary focus of this event,” SASS Community Education Coordinator Michelle Edwards said. “A lot of women here are survivors of sexual assault and we wanted them to have a buffer zone as a form of support.”
Performing at Eighth and Oak were firedancers, acoustic folk musician Nicole Barrett, salsa drumming group Bloco Amazhina and the Young Women’s Theater Collective. In addition, people attending the event had the chance to participate in a “speak out,” where they could share their personal experiences with sexual assault or voice their concerns about the issue.
“This was a chance for people to be heard and share their own stories,” Edwards said. “It provided the opportunity to let others know that they are not alone.”
Edwards said the Women’s Center and SASS have plans to keep doing this event every year.
“We will put on this event until violence against women stops,” she said.