Published: October 08, 2008 10:43 pm      

Anti-violence event set in Morehead

Morehead — The second annual Until the Violence Stops: Kentucky Festival will be Oct. 20 through 24.

The festival is founded on the core belief that education, inspiration, thought and action can have a far-reaching social and cultural impact. The festival, aimed at ending violence against women and girls, will feature a variety of free events.

The event will work to raise the awareness level in the community about the issue of violence against women and girls by educating about the issue and encouraging men and women to take action.

The festival planning committee, a group of community members, agencies and MSU students and staff, has planned various events, including:

‰“Movement to Empower” — A program featuring several Louisville-area dancers/choreographers will kick of the event at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 in Button Auditorium at MSU. The performance will feature dances that include themes of violence against women, unfair stereotypes faced by women and encourage empowerment.

‰Art as Activism with Ashley Cecil — Louisville artist Ashley Cecil will give a presentation on the use of her art to speak out about social issues and will serve as an inspiration to attendees to use their own talents to make a difference. Cecil’s presentation will be in Room 111 of Claypool Young Art Gallery at 5 p.m. Oct. 21.

‰“Imagine a World Without Violence” Community Art Show — The exhibit will feature art by members of the community and campus that revolve around the theme. The opening ceremony will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 21 in the Strider Gallery of Claypool Young Art Building, following the Art as Activism presentation. Art will be accepted for the show through Oct. 17.

‰Community/Campus Self-Defense Workshop — The workshop, sponsored by the Community/Campus Sexual Assault Task Force of Morehead and Judy Carpenter, will equip participants with the skills to protect themselves in the event of an attack. It is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Carl Perkins Center.

‰Take Back the Night March — The annual event, put together in large part by the SATF, will begin at the Bell Tower of MSU at 7 p.m. Oct. 23. It will feature presentations surrounding the issue of violence against women and will end with a march down Main Street.

‰Men Against Violence Breakfast — The event, sponsored and hosted by the office of the president of MSU, will encourage men from the community and campus to publicly and personally take a stand against violence. It will be on Oct. 23 at a time and location to be announced.

In addition, a Men as Mentors Workshop will be led by Rus Funk, who has worked for many years to involve men in violence prevention. The event for men of the community and campus is designed to help them see how they can take a stand against violence and encourage other men and boys to do the same. It will be on Nov. 5 at a time and location to announced.

For more information about the festival, e-mail moreheadutvs@yahoo.com.