Humanity Hallows Issue 5 Out Now
Pick up your copy on campus or read online
By Ruth Hudson
Film by Meliza Sestito
Photography: Ruth Hudson & Joanna Shaw
2,500 protesters recently took to the streets of Manchester for the 2017 Reclaim the Night march. Families, students and members of the local community gathered together to show their support for women, demand safer streets and raise their voices against sexual violence.
Leader of the march and University of Manchester’s Women’s Officer Jenni Smyth said how pleased she was with the turnout, given storm Doris was at its peak: “To begin with, it was mayhem with speakers not coming down and stewards cancelling on the day. I am pleased in spite of it all. Normally the rally hasn’t involved speakers but, this year, we wanted to move the rally to a different point. There were families there and it was a nice idea to have a couple of speakers.”
Jenni closed the rally with the two youngest feminists attending, encouraging them to chant, “Two, four, six, eight, stop the violence, stop the hate.”
Chair of the Manchester Met Feminist Society Mia Shepard also shared her experience of the night: “I march because it is the best form of action. Lots of people prefer online activism and, sometimes, so do I. But, for an event like this, to be able to walk the streets you wouldn’t feel safe walking alone, there’s something empowering about what the march is able to provide.
She added, “The march was a huge success, it was amazing to see everyone walking together in solidarity and unity in order to reclaim our streets and continue to combat sexual assault, harassment and street violence. There was an amazing atmosphere and it felt wonderful.”
Attending the march for the first time, MA multimedia journalism student Joanna Shaw explained how she felt drawn to the protest: “I believe that the way most rape victims are treated is shocking, and things really need to change. We are showing solidarity, and openly campaigning to make the streets safer for everyone.”
Reclaim the Night 2017 gallery
Following the passing of iconic Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield, there have been growing calls for him to be immortalised in a way that reflects both his cultural impact and the deep affection shared between the musician and his home city. GRIT Studios has answered the calls from fans, announcing plans…
Featured image: Evie Peattie Often overshadowed in popular narratives by the heritage houses of Paris or Milan, London’s fashion ecosystem has long traded on creative freedom. As London Fashion Week prepares for its 42nd year, running from the 19 to 23 February, the British capital is poised to reaffirm its reputation not simply as a…
Featured image: Sebastian Garraway Beats vibrate through a polished floor. Bodies move with a swinging grace, surrendering to the rhythm without hesitation. An instinctual sliding jig sways wide-legged jeans cut just above the ankle. Sweat drips from sharp scissor-cut hairstyles onto porous Fred Perry polos. You’ve guessed it: Northern Soul. The late 1960s phenomenon is…
Featured image: Evangeline Causton Local lad Harry Styles will take to the stage at Manchester’s Co-op Live for the city’s first-ever Brit Awards, before returning for his one-night-only show on March 6 to celebrate the arrival of his fourth album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. When cryptic billboards bearing the words “WE BELONG TOGETHER” appeared across Manchester city…
Leave a reply