Arts "Night" for awareness

What did a group of Belgian women in 1976 have in common with today's Princeton students? The desire to end sexual violence. The "Take Back the Night!" rally, happening this Friday at 7:15 p.m. on Alexander Beach is a tradition started by European women 30 years ago to speak out against sexual assault and violence. This year, director Jess Kwong '07 has organized the event to help "Princeton students realize that sexual assault is not just an abstract concept, but something that can affect every student on this campus."

Run by Sexual Harassment/Assault Advising, Resources, and Education (SHARE) and University Health Services, the event has been adapted over the years to better to relate to Princeton students. Along with the traditional march that will go from Alexander Beach to the Frist Campus Center, this year's event will feature performances by dancers, the Wildcats a cappella group, a band and a guest speaker. "Art can be used as a means of expression," Kwong said. "In engaging in it, you realize that you have something to express, which is often a problem for victims of sexual assault."

These performers will all bring something unique to the event. The Wildcats, who have been performing at "Take Back the Night!" longer than any other group, pride themselves on being a group of "strong women with strong voices." The featured speaker this year, Rose Steward, has a powerful story to tell. As the only survivor of an attack by a serial rapist, she was a controversial choice. The directors of the event were worried that her story, "though powerful, would not resonate with the Princeton community," Kwong said. "That is why we are also having survivor stories of Princeton students who have either experienced sexual assault themselves or have helped a friend through it."

Women might have founded the event, but Princeton is trying to remind the male community that it should be aware of sexual assault issues as well. Dante Ricci GS, currently the only male member of SHARE, will be performing with his band to encourage men to join the group. "This year it doesn't seem to be specifically about women's violence but more about violence in general," Wildcats member Tesla Monson-Cox '07 said. "They are trying to expand to a larger audience."