The 26th Annual Take Back The Night (TBTN) march will be held Saturday September 13th at 7:30pm at Connaught Park (11th St. and 14th Ave SW).

Since 1984, the TBTN march has created change through community building. This year’s theme is “Silence is Violence”. The event will host keynote speaker and community activist, Sandra Crazybull, and the “Do You Know What I Mean?” photo-voice art exhibit depicting the lived experiences of sex trade workers.

This march brings awareness about violence and the need for continued education and programs to change violent trends in Calgary’s communities. After more than two decades a new generation of anti-violence activists is taking the reins.

“Take Back The Night looks to a time where women are free to enjoy simple aspects of life like going out at night on our own without fear of violent repercussions,” says Marieke Knight Sexual Assault Worker at Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse and member of the organizing committee of TBTN. “We are raising awareness that women are more vulnerable people and we have the right to feel safe.”

The rally and march boast crowds of up to 500 people including female marchers, male allies, and representatives from community organizations. In support of the event, men walk alongside the event and cheer from the sidewalk as women and children march through Calgary’s downtown.

“Women are asked to lock their doors, look in their back seats to protect themselves and not go out at night; even though we know the vast majority of violence happens at the hands of people we know,” adds Knight. “This march calls on society as a whole to stop making victims of violence and take responsibility for the fact that our streets aren’t safe.”

Join us and feel the spirit of community come alive as people march in honour of those who have been affected directly or indirectly by violence in our communities. It is time for change - silence is violence.