Walk to End Silence Brings Campus Together to Support Survivors
By Alena Thomas | Oswego Now
October is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and one campus organization is taking a stand to support survivors and raise awareness.
On Tuesday night, students, faculty, and community members gathered outside MCC for the Women’s Center’s annual “Take Back The Night” walk to end silence. The event focused on hope, healing, and encouraging survivors to speak out and be heard.
Before the walk began, participants created posters for the upcoming Take Back the Night event, a long-standing tradition that empowers survivors to share their stories and reclaim a sense of safety and strength. Markers, poster boards, and quiet conversations filled the space as attendees prepared messages of support and advocacy.
The walk ran from 7 to 9 p.m., with participants moving together through campus holding handmade signs and candles. Organizers say the goal was to unite the campus under one clear message: survivors should never feel silenced.
A representative from the Women’s Center emphasized the importance of continued advocacy.
“I want people to take away that sexual assault is a real thing—it happens every day. It’s really serious, and people should be advocating all the time for it, because even though you might not see it every day, it does happen behind the scenes,” said Lani Kelley of the Women’s Center.
As the evening came to a close, organizers stressed that events like the Walk to End Silence are about more than just one night. They are meant to spark conversations, raise awareness, and build a supportive community where every voice matters.
Reporting in Oswego, I’m Alena Thomas, Oswego Now.
