Take Back the Night, an international annual event aimed at addressing violence and sexual assault, will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday at South Park.

Event organizer and Women’s Transitional Care Services employee Jesse Jones said this year’s local event will have an international theme designed to welcome peoples of all backgrounds. The goal of the event, said Jones, is “to promote a safer Lawrence.”

The event will include food, drinks, informational tables, and music by a reggae band, Seed Love.

Speakers will include the parents of Jana Mackey, a Kansas University law student who was murdered last summer.

At 7 p.m., participants will march the several blocks to Buford Watson Park for a candlelight vigil.

Jones said the event is “everybody-friendly,” but warns that graphic language may be used during a “speak-out” session after the march and vigil.