BCTC to Host “Reclaiming the Light,” Its First Take Back the Night Event

Published on Apr 9, 2026

LEXINGTON, KY — Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) will host “Reclaiming the Light; BCTC’s Take Back the Night” on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in The Den Parking Lot, 500 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40508.

Hosted by the BCTC Personal Counseling Department, the event is designed to provide a supportive space for survivors to share their stories, honor their experiences, and stand in solidarity against all forms of interpersonal violence.

Take Back the Night is the oldest worldwide movement dedicated to ending sexual violence and supporting survivors in their healing journeys. Its global mission is to end all forms of sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, trafficking, stalking, gender harassment, and relationship violence.

“At BCTC, we are committed to fostering a supportive and student-centered environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued,” said Dr. Greg Feeney, President and CEO of BCTC. “Hosting Take Back the Night reflects our dedication to student well-being and to building a campus culture rooted in safety, compassion, and empowerment. We are honored to stand with survivors and raise awareness about the importance of prevention, support, and healing.”

The event aligns with the college’s mission to promote student well-being, personal growth, and community engagement by creating a space where survivors are respected, supported, and inspired.

“We are proud to host our first Take Back the Night event at Bluegrass Community and Technical College, reinforcing our commitment to a culture of care and safety for our students,” said Anita Nelums, Director of Counseling Services. “With many acts of violence occurring after dark, our theme, ‘Reclaiming the Light,’ reflects our mission to create a campus where everyone feels safe and empowered.”

According to Take Back the Night, 1 in 3 women worldwide experience some form of sexual violence or intimate partner violence, and 1 in 6 men experience sexual violence. Less than half of victims report these crimes, underscoring the importance of education, awareness, and survivor support.

For more information about the global Take Back the Night movement, visit the organization’s official website.

Event Details:

Who: BCTC Personal Counseling Department
What: Reclaiming the Light; BCTC’s Take Back the Night
When: April 16, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Den Parking Lot, 500 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40508

Learn more about Take Back the Night

Contact Anita Nelums at anita.nelums@kctcs.edu for more information regarding the event and Personal Counseling at BCTC.