PREVIEW: The 45th Annual Take Back the Night Honors Survivors and Raises Awareness
04/23 @ Washington Park Lakehouse, Albany
“By coming together we can create a space where survivors feel supported and where important conversations can continue beyond this event.”
For decades, Take Back the Night has shown the Capital Region what solidarity, healing, and education look like in action, and they continue their vital legacy April 23 at the Washington Park Lakehouse. From 5–8 p.m., attendees will experience a meaningful evening designed to honor survivors and raise awareness.
“It is so much more than an event; it is a reminder that community matters,” says Human Trafficking Services Coordinator Nicole Consiglio. “By coming together we can create a space where survivors feel supported and where important conversations can continue beyond this event.”
The event will begin with a pre-rally featuring community tabling with local organizations, music, and food trucks. A scavenger hunt throughout this portion of the evening will include self-care prizes for the winners. All of the activities are designed to connect attendees with resources and the tools to learn about the different support systems available.
After the pre-rally are opening remarks, which will lead to a survivor speak-out. “This is one of the most powerful aspects of our event. It creates space for survivors to share their stories, be heard, and be supported,” says Consiglio.
The survivor speak-out is followed by a march through the streets of Albany to bring attention to the prevalence of sexual assault in the community. The evening will conclude with a candlelight vigil. The vigil provides attendees with a moment of reflection, remembrance, and solidarity for survivors.
The Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center honors the past of the Take Back the Night movement as it marks the 45th annual event. Everyone is invited to attend and show support, regardless of age, gender, or background. In doing so, the community is taking an active part in a historic but deeply relevant legacy.
Take Back the Night began as a part of a global movement in the 1970s due to feminist activism. As women organized marches in response to sexual violence, unsafe public spaces, and the culture surrounding these issues, local protests turned into a worldwide movement.
“The persistence of this movement reflects the reality that these issues have not gone away,” says Consiglio. “Instead, each year continues to build on the last, centering survivors, challenging harmful norms, and advocating for safer and unified communities. The history of Take Back the Night is a reminder of why this work is extremely necessary and why it must continue.”
Consiglio hopes attendees leave with a deeper understanding of the power of their presence at the event.
“Simply showing up sends a powerful message to survivors that they are seen, heard, and supported. Education is such a critical aspect of prevention. By attending, individuals can learn more about sexual violence, available resources, and how to be an effective ally,” notes Consiglio.
Consiglio highlights the comparison between Take Back the Night and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which reinforces the importance of continual advocacy. Although the event is entitled Take Back the Night, the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center emphasizes that sexual violence can occur at any time, any place, to anyone regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity.
“For survivors, we want them to know they’re not alone. There is an entire community here that believes them, supports them, and stands with them,” she says.
One of the biggest goals of Take Back the Night is to empower attendees to be part of the change, from educating themselves to supporting survivors and challenging harmful behaviors and attitudes.
“We want everyone to leave feeling connected, informed, and inspired to contribute to a safer and more supportive community,” affirms Consiglio.