There is a certain trepidation many people feel when they step outside at night—and it isn’t imagination alone that feeds their fears, but the culmination of so many news stories about sexual assault, aggressive panhandlers or verbal abuse.
‘Hollaback!’ to raise awareness about street harassment
There is a certain trepidation many people feel when they step outside at night—and it isn’t imagination alone that feeds their fears, but the culmination of so many news stories about sexual assault, aggressive panhandlers or verbal abuse.
Many people, be they student or professor, male or female, have been a victim of street harassment.
On Wednesday, a group of Portland State students will lead the “Hollaback!” open mic night event, which will provide a forum for individuals to share their experiences with street harassment in order to raise awareness about the issue.
The event will be held at the Women’s Resource Center, located at 1802 SW 10th Ave. in the Montgomery Court Residence Hall basement, and will run from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free, and both men and women are encouraged to attend.
Aubrey Limburg, one of the event’s organizers, said that the inspiration for it came from an assignment in her “Sociology of Family Violence” class, taught by professor Amy Lubitow.
Lubitow, who has a connection to the Hollaback! organization on the East Coast whose aim is to end street harassment, gave students the opportunity to organize an event in place of a final exam. Consequently, students organized the open mic night and even began working toward forming an official PSU chapter of Hollaback!
Limburg explained that the night will begin with a mixer, where attendees can help themselves to food and drink while they chat, followed by an introduction to Hollaback! The night will close with the open mic, where presenters can express themselves in whatever way they wish, and will include music, poetry and even a puppet show.
“I hope that attendees can walk away feeling inspired about what they can do to combat harassment, and feel more empowered,” Limburg said.
Spots are still available for those who want to speak during the event, and can include up to two five-minute speaking slots per person. If you’re interested in speaking, contact event organizers at [email protected].
