Barton Hosts “Take Back The Night” Event on Oct. 8

WILSON, N.C. – Members of the Wilson community are invited to join Barton College faculty, staff, and students for “Take Back The Night: Shatter the Silence, Stop the Violence,” scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8.  Co-sponsored by the Counseling Services Center at Barton College and the Wesley Shelter of Wilson, “Take Back The Night” is an annual program that raises awareness about domestic violence. The event is open to the public at no charge, and the community is encouraged to attend.

On Thursday evening, participants will gather at 6 p.m. at the fountain in front of Hamlin Student Center for a Candlelight Vigil.  The vigil, protesting violence in homes and in schools, will begin with brief remarks by Barton College’s Courtney Manning, director of counseling, and Amy Bridgers, director of student health services, as well as Janet Hesmer, executive director of the Wesley Shelter in Wilson.  Other speakers include Dan Kennedy, director of new student programs and Greek life at Barton, Barton golf coach John Hackney and members of the Barton College golf team, Anna McKeel, a survivor from Newport, and survivor and Barton College student Heather Lewis, among others.  These remarks will be followed by a musical performance by the Barton College Gospel Choir.  As glow sticks are lit, Patricia Hudson and Megan Cheek of the Wesley Shelter will read names of those who have lost their lives this year as a result of domestic violence.

Following closing remarks by Manning and Bridgers, participants will walk the Barton Mile around the perimeter of the campus with glow sticks in hand and return to the Multipurpose Room located on the lower level of Hardy Alumni Hall for light refreshments. At that time, there will be an opportunity to visit the “Take Back The Night” information table.

For additional information, please contact Courtney Manning, director of counseling, at 252-399-6587 or email: cmanning@barton.edu, or Amy Bridgers, director of student health services, at 399-6493 or email: abbridgers@barton.edu.
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Questions? Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.