University of Dubuque to Host Take Back the Night

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Kat Owensby (C'22), a poet who believes in the power of love to name, transform, and alchemize what has been silenced, will be the Take Back the Night keynote speaker at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Room 264, Peter and Susan Smith Welcome Center, University of Dubuque.

Hosted by UD in partnership with Clarke University, Loras College, Northeast Iowa Community College, and Riverview Center, Take Back the Night is an annual event to raise awareness and support survivors of sexual violence. It is free and open to the public.

Take Back the Night will begin at 6:30 p.m. with resources and information in the Smith Welcome Center's lobby from community partners such as Crescent Community Health Center, the Dubuque County Sheriff's Department, the Dubuque Police Department, Foundation 2 Crisis Services, Hillcrest Family Services, and Opening Doors as well as health/counseling centers from the participating institutions. After the keynote presentation, there will be a speak out open mic. The event will conclude with a candlelight vigil on Grace Plaza from the Smith Welcome Center to the Laube Memorial Bell Tower.

Owensby is a poet and writing instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Platteville, Wisconsin, whose work explores themes of healing, love, community, faith, and lineage. Through spoken word and creative storytelling, her work centers the experiences of survivors of sexual violence and illuminates paths to empowerment, community, and reclaiming voice. Owensby is deeply passionate about creating spaces where voices are heard and conversations are rooted in honesty, love, and connection. Her approach to this work is grounded in personal experience and a deep commitment to honoring the journey from victimization to survivorship and the pursuit of thriving beyond trauma.

"Take Back the Night is about breaking the silence, helping survivors reclaim power, and speaking out to say that we won't tolerate sexual violence in our community," said Jaclyn Esqueda, MEd, associate dean of student engagement and success at UD. "It reminds survivors that they are not alone and reminds all of us that we have a role to play in ending sexual violence. It provides hope for a future where everyone is safe on our campuses and in our community."

The Multicultural Student Center in Smith Welcome Center will serve as a supported decompression space for individuals who may feel triggered by the event activities. Counselors from UD, Loras, Clarke, and NICC will also be on site offering support.

Days before Take Back the Night, two accompanying events will be held in partnership with the B-1 Yoga family of businesses. A Survivors and Supporters Social will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, at ReveLuna, 197 Main Street. One dollar from each beverage purchase and all tips will be donated to Riverview Center in support of survivors in the community. Afterwards, a trauma-informed slow-flow yoga practice will be offered from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at B-1 Back Space, 197 Main Street. There is no charge for the course. Free-will donations will be accepted to support Riverview Center.

Take Back the Night is the oldest worldwide movement to end sexual assault, rape, abuse, harassment, and trafficking. This event raises awareness, empowers individuals, and inspires action that will educate the public about sexual violence and its impact on victims and their loved ones.