Take Back the Night returned to SMU’s campus on Oct. 15. The annual event filled Dallas Hall Lawn with string lights, students and organizations eager to support SMU’s Feminist Equality Movement’s goal: to raise awareness around gender inequality and show support to women facing violence. Appearances from SMU’s Office of Institutional Access and Equity, Planned Parenthood, Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center and other groups offered information and giveaways such as candy and novelty pens.
Izzie Zamora, president of SMU’s FEM and the main organizer, announced the start of the solidarity walk.
As the crowd gathered around the Dallas Hall Lawn fountain, they held signs in support of the cause. One reading, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun-damental Rights,” was raised high as the event photographer snapped a picture.
“Our solidarity walk is basically saying that we’re here for those survivors [of violence against women], and we do it in silence because a walk in itself is powerful enough,” Zamora said.
At 6:10 p.m., the walk commenced. Silence fell over the group standing in solidarity with women who have faced violence or injustice. The sound of sneakers hitting the pavement was all that could be heard as the troupe made its way down the Boulevard toward the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. Another student joined and shared a sign with a friend, each holding one side. A woman walking by smiled as she read one sign with “protect your daughters” crossed out and “ educate your sons” written underneath.
The walk continued past the Owen Fine Arts Center with two police escorts. One walked to the left, directing traffic away, with the other close behind. The group crossed the street and made their way back to Dallas Hall Lawn. The officer stopped cars to let the students and their signs continue uninterrupted. Another student ran to catch up and join with a sign she had brought from home. A man on a bench could be heard explaining the meaning of the display to his companion as they passed the Cox School of Business.
The sound of the Dallas Hall Lawn fountain’s water returned with the voices of the students as they arrived back at the event and the silent walk ended. 10 minutes of silence, seemingly so simple, created a profound form of protest that gave students an outlet to express their opinions.
Everyone returned to their seats as the music resumed and the event organizers worked on the next activity.
“Our next guest is on her way,” Zamora said.
While waiting for the surprise guest, students explored more of the participating organizations’ booths. The Truth Pregnancy Resource Center drew attention by handing out free emergency contraceptives. Sierra Graham, chief operating officer, and Aydrelle Collins, lead counselor, were thrilled to represent the organization.
”I remember when I was in college, we had take back the night events and especially for survivors of sexual assault,” Collins said. “These events show them that they are not alone, and it raises awareness around sexual assault.”
As the event continued, Danielle Thibodeaux from Se7en Waves arrived to perform a sound bath. Excitement filled the space as people funneled closer to Dallas Hall. Blue blankets were scattered around Thibodeaux. Dressed in all white with a crystal pendant, she sat on her own blanket surrounded by four green bowls, two brass bowls and a plethora of plastic candles. The smell of burning sage wafted through the air as Thibodeaux put away her lighter. An original group of 11 students took their blankets and found a place, giving her an audience.
“Let’s start with setting an intention,” she said.
Melodic chimes rang through the air as she hit the bowls with a tool she called a striker. The vibration washed over the environment and the bath began. Three students dressed in Halloween costumes walked by and were drawn in by the sound, grabbing more blankets to join in. One dressed as the Lorax proudly took a spot at the front. She was met with cheerful laughter and encouragement as the bowls continued to ring. Eyes closed, silence once again fell over the small crowd. Chatter from bystanders and the cawing of crows seemed to go unheard among them.
She invited students to test the instruments themselves. A few rings later, the event came to a close. Students rolled their blankets back to their original configuration and began to disperse.
As the night ended, students felt relaxed from the sound bath but, more importantly, empowered by this opportunity. Despite the onlookers’ stares, they had successfully accomplished a peaceful protest and sent a message to the campus: women are valued and supported, and this group of people is willing to fight for a reality that fully accepts that.
