Take Back the Night is an international rally and march organized in local communities with the purpose of unifying women, men, and children in an awareness of violence against women, children, and families. In the St. Cloud area community, the event is a collaboration of community and campus organizations and other interested persons who are ready to take a stand against violence and make the night (and day) safe for everyone.

Take Back the Night rallies have a long history, both internationally and in the U.S. In 1976, women attending the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women in Belgium marched together in solidarity, holding candles to protest the ways in which violence permeates the lives of women worldwide. The first Take Back the Night rallies and marches began in England as a protest the fear that women encountered walking the streets at night. On November 23, 1977, in Leeds, 130 women sang protests songs in the City Square; 400 marched in Manchester, 100 marched with torches in Newcastle, 80 marched in York, and hundreds invaded Soho in London.

Some sources say the first Take Back the Night march and rally in the United States was held in New York City; others say it was in San Francisco. In 1978, the march was held in San Francisco to protest a popular pornography strip. The LA march in the early 1980’s was in response to the Hillside Strangler. Now rallies are held in cities and towns across the United States.

The first Take Back the Night rally and march in St. Cloud took place in 1982 and we are proud to continue this tradition.