Before the event, students lined up to create custom tote bags and bandanas with ink rollers and stamps at their block printing station with artwork created by Karlee Langenfeld. (Elly Herrick)The annual Take Back the Night event took place this year on April 20, at 5:30 PM taking place at the gazebo. A booth was set up with resources; flyers for information containing chants and the march route, buttons, stickers, and more were available and passed out to attendees. (Elly Herrick)4.Karina Kpahn, who MCed the event, carried a tote with flowers that were passed out as a gift for survivors of sexual assault and others to take. (Elly Herrick)5.The crowd listened and sang along to “Praying” by Kesha between speeches from organizations like Reproductive Justice, SOL, PRISM, TISO, Student Senate, students, and more. (Elly Herrick)6.Audience members sat in front of the gazebo and on the grass to listen and participate in Take Back the Night. (Elly Herrick)7. Confidential victims advocate, Destiny Walker-O’Grady, spoke about the impact of the Advocacy Center and shares gratitude for students and organizations who have continued to advocate for its existence on campus. (Elly Herrick)8.The event and march to Windom park was attended by students, staff, and community members. Event organizers thank The Minnesota Youth Activist Alliance, Planned Parenthood Generation Action, Carol Ann Wallace Distinguished Lectureship in Human Values, and Student Senate for helping fund Take Back the Night. (Elly Herrick)
Elly Herrick (she/they) is the Features Editor for the Winonan. Herrick is currently in her fourth year at Winona State University, majoring in Mass Communications: Public Relations with minors in Photography and Creative Digital Media. In addition to working for the Winonan, she is also an Production Assistant with KQAL and a Resident Assistaint for East Lake. She also works in TV Services and will most likely be found in Phelps Hall. Outside of school, Herrick loves to spend time with loved ones and being outside. She also loves long walks outside and seeing live music.