The 'Night' is ours

Under a clear, cool sky about 100 people gathered at Showalter Fountain Wednesday for a candlelight vigil -- a symbol of solidarity and unity against violence toward women. Throughout the night, there were tears, music and laughter. But most of all, there was healing.\nBrian David Duke, an organizer of the Take Back the Night events, said it was important for him to show support as a "guy," and as director of Health and Safety for the IU Student Association.\n"How can you not be perceptive (to the cause)?" Duke said. "It's my mission as the director of health and human safety..."\nJimmannee Spears, senior and chair of the organizing committee for Take Back the Night, said paying attention to women's safety issues is everyone's mission.\n"Protecting the health of women is protecting the world," she said.\nDuke said many guys are afraid of feminists, and all that word entails.\n"Most guys think that a night like this is all about man hating. That this night is about how all men hate and hit women," Duke said. "The truth is, a night like this is like preaching to the choir. Most of the women who are here know about rape and the violence towards women. But it's also important for guys to show up."\nJackie Mittman, a junior, said she came last year and decided to come this year to show support for a good cause. \n"I think that women's issues on this campus don't get enough recognition," Mittman said. "The more people that show up, the more recognition. It's good if more people like me who aren't very educated about this come and get educated."\nAfter opening remarks by Spears, the Bloomington Feminist Choir sang. The group began with the lyric, "Music made together may one day heal womankind," and ended with the song "Keep on walking forward." \nSpears spoke again, stressing remembrance and pointing toward the "Clothesline," a display of T-shirts designed by victims of violence.\n"Tonight, we're not protesting," Spears said. "We're remembering."\nLadies First then performed, followed by a message of healing from Rebecca Jiminez, a spiritual adviser, who said she was honored to speak at the vigil. \n"I realized that whatever I say here this evening is not going to change the world," Jiminez said. "That I'm not going to make things better. I have the overwhelming desire to embrace each woman here and tell you that you are loved ... valued and appreciated."\nWomen have the "power to feel, work, create and nurture ... the power of love," she said. Coming together for the vigil was an action of "unity and collaboration." \nJiminez said women's affinity to sacred wisdom is feared and those who fear it try to control it.\n"Violence to subdue the power within is the worst violation of all," Jiminez said. "I encourage every woman here to talk, breath, cry and express anger, rage and to center yourself." \nAlong with paying attention to their spirituality, Jiminez encouraged women to take "tender care" of themselves, and to "remember their sacredness." \n"If you're having a problem, come see me, and I will help you remember," Jiminez said. \nThroughout the speak-out portion of the night, many women and men expressed their appreciation for the love and support of events like Take Back the Night bring.\nWomen stepped up and spoke of their experiences, sometimes breaking down in tears. Men also spoke, stressing the importance of men using their power to stop violence against women.\nActivism was the message throughout the night. Men and women, young and old showed love and support toward women affected by violence. For some, the night served as a haven to purge emotions that have been pent up for a while. For most, is was a continuing step in the healing process.\nTake Back the Night events continue at 7 p.m. today with a march and rally from Dunn Meadow to the Monroe County Courthouse.