The concept behind Thursdays in Black (TiB) couldn’t be simpler: wear black on Thursdays. Through symbolically wearing black each week on campus, TiB Otago creates weekly visibility and raises awareness of those who have experienced or are experiencing sexual violence.
Despite winning OUSA Society of the Year in 2025, the grind never stops, and with April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, TiB’s work is even more important. Speaking with co-directors Elle and Kenchozi, Critic Te Ārohi asked what the group hopes to achieve this year. At its core, their message is about visibility: “It’s literally just showing solidarity,” says Elle. “[It’s] a reminder that things are still going on.”
According to TiB, sexual harm occurs across a wide range of student spaces, affecting different clubs, societies, and groups of people. This was reinforced in Critic Te Ārohi’s and TiB’s co-investigation last year into sexual harm support services. This revealed that TiB was receiving disclosures on a weekly basis, and that the scale of the issue is still widely underestimated across campus. As Kenchozi puts it, “This is happening [...] so much more than people actually think it is.”
Importantly, TiB does not want wearing black to become a hollow or performative gesture. The co-directors emphasised the need for students to understand the meaning behind the action. “I don’t want this to just become a buzzword,” Kenchozi said, “like ‘oh, we’re just going to chuck on a t-shirt.’” Instead, the group wants to see genuine awareness of what's happening on campus – all-important solidarity also needs to come with understanding and a commitment to make change.
Part of that change is about education. TiB is advocating for increased uptake of Te Whare Tawhārau’s HYBRID training (Helping You Help Respond to Disclosures): a bystander intervention programme that equips students to respond safely when they witness or are told about harmful situations. The group believes this training should be standard practice for student execs: “[it’s] learning how to look after your members,” says Elle, with Kenchozi adding that it's “the bare minimum.”
Ultimately, TiB’s message is clear: show up, get aware and get educated. And of course – wear black. For those affected by sexual harm, knowing that others recognise what's happening and are standing with you really does matter.
Check out their Instagram @thursdaysinblackotago for upcoming events.
