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Professional / Personal
Location: Bethlehem, Pa
Date: 04/15/13
Introduction:
I first found out about the event on Facebook. I was not going to miss this one, no chance! The annual event is people taking a stand against violence. The march went down Main St. in Bethlehem. Yes, It was a peaceful march / rally with zero incidents. The Bethlehem police blocked off streets as the march progressed. A quick thank you to the Bethlehem Police Department.
More than observing: I arrived about 15 minutes after the march started. It ended up perfect timing. The march was just going past Broad St. I merged with the crowd.
People were wearing black t-shirts and carrying signs. The signs included different types of violence including domestic and anti-homosexual. The theme of Take Back the Night was easily seen on the t-shirts and signs.
Chants were also yelled as students and marchers were very clear they will not tolerate violence in any form.
The march to Johnston Hall showed Bethlehem and the world the good people are capable of. It could not compare to the rally.
Rally / Words beyond meaning: Here is the the true meaning of Take Back the Night was shown.
When I walked in, there were a few tables with information and refreshments available. Organizations included the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley.
The rally started with opening comments. The rally was a variety of speakers, music and chant interludes focusing on different types of violence in our world. Red statues were scattered around. The statues had names of people who lost their lives to violence.
I had a chance to speak with Steve Delturk. I asked how this was started. Steve informed me it began as a student project and spiraled out from there.
The rally's main part that hit me was a survivor of rape speaking. Her story went right through the heart.
The courage of everyone who was on stage, can make anyone at least try to make a difference in our world and someone's life. The stories and music ran through this journalist. To the point where it was very difficult for me not to show emotion. Something I did not want so I could write this article without including the personal side.
Candles in a soft rain: The event ended with a short walk and candlelight vigil. There was a slight drizzle and cold wind blowing. Most did not stay lit, mine included.
Student, Melissa Walters, sang the most emotional version of "In the Arms of an Angel" I have ever heard. A moment of silence for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and all victims of violence was observed.
It is very hard for this author / journalist to put into words what I felt at this point. While I am writing this, a chill is going through my entire body.
Finding meaning to a darker day / night: The event had added meaning against violence. The bombs going off at the Boston Marathon strengthened the point these students and people were trying to make. It does not matter if it is domestic, homosexual, race or whatever reason people find, it is time to end violence against each other.
Students at a college and people in a community took a stand for what they believe. They made the time in their lives and schedules to organize and attend this event. They got off their asses and computers to show the Lehigh Valley and world they will not tolerate violence, in any form.
A person can make a difference in the simplest of ways. Attending a march and rally like this is one.
My question is, if these people can do more than just talk and bitch about something. If they can make a stand for what they believe. Why do so many people who talk about things not do more?
I saw all the posts on Facebook about the bombings. How people were shocked. How fast comments were posted. I wondered how many of those comments were only to satisfy their egos. How many were only to say: "Hey, we care about this in words only."
As an author / journalist, I use the best method I have: writing. This is my way of doing more than just talking. I go out and attend the events, not only to write about them. To show support for every organization and person who is trying to make the world better.
More Information
Welcome to Moravian College
Moravian College is a private, coeducational, selective liberal arts college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Tracing its founding to 1742, it is recognized as America's sixth-oldest college. Moravian partners with students to build a strong found
Take Back the Night @ Moravian College
Information on the event
Crime Victims Council
Website for the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley.
Location: Bethlehem, Pa
Date: 04/15/13
Introduction:
I first found out about the event on Facebook. I was not going to miss this one, no chance! The annual event is people taking a stand against violence. The march went down Main St. in Bethlehem. Yes, It was a peaceful march / rally with zero incidents. The Bethlehem police blocked off streets as the march progressed. A quick thank you to the Bethlehem Police Department.
More than observing: I arrived about 15 minutes after the march started. It ended up perfect timing. The march was just going past Broad St. I merged with the crowd.
People were wearing black t-shirts and carrying signs. The signs included different types of violence including domestic and anti-homosexual. The theme of Take Back the Night was easily seen on the t-shirts and signs.
Chants were also yelled as students and marchers were very clear they will not tolerate violence in any form.
The march to Johnston Hall showed Bethlehem and the world the good people are capable of. It could not compare to the rally.
Rally / Words beyond meaning: Here is the the true meaning of Take Back the Night was shown.
When I walked in, there were a few tables with information and refreshments available. Organizations included the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley.
The rally started with opening comments. The rally was a variety of speakers, music and chant interludes focusing on different types of violence in our world. Red statues were scattered around. The statues had names of people who lost their lives to violence.
I had a chance to speak with Steve Delturk. I asked how this was started. Steve informed me it began as a student project and spiraled out from there.
The rally's main part that hit me was a survivor of rape speaking. Her story went right through the heart.
The courage of everyone who was on stage, can make anyone at least try to make a difference in our world and someone's life. The stories and music ran through this journalist. To the point where it was very difficult for me not to show emotion. Something I did not want so I could write this article without including the personal side.
Candles in a soft rain: The event ended with a short walk and candlelight vigil. There was a slight drizzle and cold wind blowing. Most did not stay lit, mine included.
Student, Melissa Walters, sang the most emotional version of "In the Arms of an Angel" I have ever heard. A moment of silence for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and all victims of violence was observed.
It is very hard for this author / journalist to put into words what I felt at this point. While I am writing this, a chill is going through my entire body.
Finding meaning to a darker day / night: The event had added meaning against violence. The bombs going off at the Boston Marathon strengthened the point these students and people were trying to make. It does not matter if it is domestic, homosexual, race or whatever reason people find, it is time to end violence against each other.
Students at a college and people in a community took a stand for what they believe. They made the time in their lives and schedules to organize and attend this event. They got off their asses and computers to show the Lehigh Valley and world they will not tolerate violence, in any form.
A person can make a difference in the simplest of ways. Attending a march and rally like this is one.
My question is, if these people can do more than just talk and bitch about something. If they can make a stand for what they believe. Why do so many people who talk about things not do more?
I saw all the posts on Facebook about the bombings. How people were shocked. How fast comments were posted. I wondered how many of those comments were only to satisfy their egos. How many were only to say: "Hey, we care about this in words only."
As an author / journalist, I use the best method I have: writing. This is my way of doing more than just talking. I go out and attend the events, not only to write about them. To show support for every organization and person who is trying to make the world better.
More Information
Welcome to Moravian College
Moravian College is a private, coeducational, selective liberal arts college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Tracing its founding to 1742, it is recognized as America's sixth-oldest college. Moravian partners with students to build a strong found
Take Back the Night @ Moravian College
Information on the event
Crime Victims Council
Website for the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley.
