By HOLLY WEILEDER

Staff Writer

"Two, four, six, eight, No more date rape!"

"Survivors unite, take back the night!"

These were some of the chants that could be heard last Wednesday night, during the Tech Association for Women Students' "Take Back the Night" rally, march and vigil.

"We wanted this to be completely inclusive Ð a total community effort," Michelle Pride, the faculty adviser for AWS, said. "I believe that is the only way to end violence, is for everyone to get involved."

The mission statement of Take Back the Night is that it is an international event that is organized in local communities with the purpose of unifying women, men and children in an awareness of violence against women, children and families.

The event is a collaboration between campus and community members who are ready to take a stand against violence and make the night safe for everyone.

With a gathering of over 200 people who met at the Quadrangle for this event, Pride's wish came true.

The Souls on Fire Gospel Choir provided the opening musical entertainment for the group, singing alongside a piano that was wheeled out to the Quadrangle.

After a few words from Take Back the Night committee members, the crowd lined up and began their march to Railroad Park in downtown Ruston.

Once there, Terrie Queen-Autry, the keynote speaker for the night, told true personal accounts about violated safety of people in the Ruston community.

"I am honored to be a part of tonight's awareness activities," Queen-Autry said. "This is a silent epidemic that needs to be addressed. People need to know the extra burden of not wanting to talk about it affects victims psychologically."

After Queen-Autry finished, an insufficient amount of candles were passed out to start the vigil, due to an unexpectedly large turnout.

Although the crowd consisted of mostly women, there were men as well showing support for what Take Back the Night stands for.

The United African Men showed their support with their tribute to women, and the Interfraternity Council helped out with the event posters and passing out brochures.

The Student Government Association showed their support by holding a self-defense workshop.

The vigil was the closing event of Take Back the Night's month-long event calendar.

Other events included a movie night, survivor's stories and AWS Book Club Meeting.

Every Friday in April was also dubbed 'Black T-shirt Friday.'

All proceeds benefited the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team and Piney Hills Sexual Assault Center.