The Wisconsin Historical Society will dedicate the first LGBTQ historic landmark in Wisconsin on Monday near the Downtown location where the Black Nite tavern once stood.
The Black Nite was the site of Wisconsin’s first known LGBTQ uprising, on Aug. 5, 1961. The landmark, sponsored by the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, is also the first to honor a Black transgender person.
RELATED: THE BLACK NITE BRAWL: MILWAUKEE’S PLACE IN LGBTQ HISTORY
“While the History Project did the work to prove that Black Nite happened and achieved both civic commemoration and historic designation, the victory belongs to our Black and brown elders,” History Project Chair Michail Takach said. “The people who fought at the Black Nite never expected to be heroes. They never expected to be remembered by history. We are proud to shine a bright light on their stories.”
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The landmark dedication is at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5 at the southwest corner of West St. Paul and North Plankinton avenues, followed by a community celebration.
Several Downtown Milwaukee buildings and the Hoan Bridge will be illuminated in transgender pride colors to raise visibility and awareness of the challenges the LGBTQ community still faces today. The Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project is covering all illumination costs.
The Milwaukee County Landmarks Committee unanimously approved historic landmark designation for the Black Nite site in November 2022. The Wisconsin Historical Society then approved a state landmark application in May 2023.
The Black Nite brawl erupted when four servicemen violently invaded the tavern, 400 N. Plankinton Ave. The LGBTQ community – led by Josie Carter, a young Black transgender woman – protected their space with a vengeance.
The tavern was demolished in 1966 to make way for an expansion of the freeway.
Tatyana Moaton will serve as keynote speaker for the event, which will also include elected state and local officials, civic leaders, project volunteers and musical accompaniment by the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble.
Moaton is a staunch advocate for the transgender community and an esteemed leader in healthcare innovation and public health, serving as the director of strategic innovation and partnerships at San Francisco Community Health Center. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Developmental Psychology and later an MBA.
“The Black Nite Brawl was a turning point for our community, and this historic marker will ensure that the bravery and resilience of those who fought for our rights will never be forgotten,” Moaton said. “Coming home to celebrate this legacy is incredibly special to me.”
