Take Back the Night Protest

Take Back the Night March 1991 Duke University Archives

Why The Protest Occured?

Take Back the Night (TBTN) first began in Belgium and England in the ‘60s. It was about women not being able to walk down the street alone. It is the earliest worldwide stand against sexual violence against women.

What Happened?

In 1973 women at the University of Southern Florida dressed in Black Sheets holding broomsticks marched around the campus demanding a center for women. Throughout the ‘70s hundreds of TBTN rallies and marches occurred. They protested the murders of women, pornography and violence against women.

The Aftermath

The Take Back the Night Foundation was founded in 1999. TBTN events have been documented in over 36 countries and more than 800 communities. It is believed their message has reached over 30 million people.