ANN ARBOR, MI - Local politicians, artists and one of the first women to come forward in the #MeToo era are part of Thursday’s Take Back the Night march through Ann Arbor.
Drew Dixon, a former executive at Def Jam Recordings who accused the label’s founder Russell Simmons of rape in 2017, is giving the keynote speech in person at the April 7 rally against sexual violence, event officials said.
The 44th edition of the rally and march is being organized by local and University of Michigan student groups and will start at 6:30 p.m. on campus in the ballroom at the Michigan Union, 530 S. State St.
Attendees can meet and learn from organizations, such as domestic violence shelter SafeHouse Center, as well as Planned Parenthood, Center for Education of Women +, the student group Roe v. Rape and more, officials said.
The rally, where people in attendance may show off their signs, starts at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “What is healing to you,” and the signs will reflect different answers to that question.
The rally also is being kicked off by speeches from Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn. Local dance groups Groove and New Movement and local singer Jayna Schmid will perform after that.
Dixon, who made headline with her contribution to a 2017 New York Times article accusing Simmons of sexual harassment and rape, will finish the speaking portion. She also participated in the 2020 documentary “On the Record,” which also covered the allegations against Simmons.
Thursday’s event can also be attended virtually on YouTube. In-person attendees inside the Michigan Union are encouraged to wear masks, and Take Back the Night Ann Arbor-branded masks will be available free of charge.
After the rally in the ballroom, attendees will march through Ann Arbor. The event ends with a candlelight vigil in the ballroom.
Take Back the Night Ann Arbor was organized with the Michigan-based Standing Tough Against Rape Society group, as well as the student group University Students Against Rape. The event’s sponsors include SafeHouse Center, Planned Parenthood, Drifter Coffee, Ann Arbor Tortilla Factory, Central Student Government, CEW+, PS I Love You Ceremonies and Prestige Entertainment.
To donate to the organizers, you can buy at T-shirt here or donate $15.
Read more from The Ann Arbor News:
Rock ‘n’ Roll professor, University of Michigan finally served in sexual harassment lawsuit
300 security cameras installed across MSU housing as campus safety push continues
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