On Saturday, Oct. 6, exactly one year since the #MeToo Movement received national traction, Springfield residents took action in their own community to demonstrate that the movement is relevant and gaining strength.

Hundreds of protest signs filled Park Central Square to bring awareness to a serious issue: sexual assault.

Me Too Springfield was a rally aimed at providing resources and support for sexual assault survivors, as well as increasing awareness of these issues in the public eye.

Despite some rain, the Square was buzzing with energy: live music, demonstrations and various vendors. People from all walks of life showed up to support survivors of sexual assault and break the silence surrounding the topic.

The itinerary included spoken word, a self-defense class, various speakers from both major political parties and other demonstrations.

Sarah Bargo, one of the coordinators of the event, estimated that around 300 people came and went during the six-hour rally.

“Everyone deserves to have their story heard and receive support, no matter their age, gender, political party, sexual orientation or race,” said Bargo.

Organized by Bargo, Jordan Harris, Kelsey Nichol and Sharon Taylor, the rally is modeled after several successful demonstrations in other parts of the U.S. as a reaction to the explosion of the #MeToo movement.

Origins of #MeToo

Originally, the phrase “Me Too” was coined by Tarana Burke, an African-American civil rights activist. Burke began using the term in 2006 to spread awareness about the often under-discussed issues of sexual assault, harassment and violence.

The phrase became a trending hashtag when actress Alyssa Milano spoke out on Twitter using the hashtag #MeToo. She urged survivors to use the hashtag to show just how many people are affected by sexual assault.

The Me Too movement gained major support and publicity during the sexual harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein, with many women in the industry using the hashtag as a platform to speak out about his alleged misconduct.

Me Too Springfield was carefully planned to be held on the one-year anniversary of this movement’s social media explosion.

Spreading a message of resilience

Speakers at the Springfield event included Representatives Lynn Morris and Crystal Quade, as well as other community members with knowledge in the field of victim advocacy. Lampert Law Office also gave a discussion on the rights of victims.

One of the main attractions was the “What Were You Wearing” art exhibit, a display of clothing items worn by victims when they experienced sexual assault. Bargo and her mother, Rosemary Anno, collected clothing items and stories from victims around Springfield. The powerful exhibit will be displayed at Southwest Baptist University, and possibly at Drury University, in the coming weeks.

Photo via Sarah Bargo.

Bargo hopes to continue to display the exhibit across Springfield to remind people that the process of supporting victims is ongoing. The installation was meant to demolish stereotypes that clothing can warrant or cause sexual assault. While it is difficult to see a toddler’s sundress on the display, indicating that the most innocent – children – are also victims, it is important to spread awareness.

“It was just as much an emotional experience for the viewer as it was for me when I was putting the exhibit together,” Bargo said.

The event was powerful, with some victims reduced to tears during the spoken word presentations. Bargo herself gave a speech, and had one main message for survivors and supporters: keep pushing for change. Bargo stated, “Every single time someone says ‘me too,’ this community gains power. And in that power lies opportunities for both healing and change.”

Written by Olivia Thompson.