THE BLACK NITE UPRISING

Inscription

Eight years before New York’s Stonewall Riots, the Black Nite Uprising united a community, awakened local activism, and scored an early victory for the emerging LGBTQ rights movement in the United States. On August 5, 1961, four servicemen went on a homophobic dare to the Black Nite (400 N. Plankinton Ave.,) a well-known LGBTQ tavern. After losing a fight with Josie Carter (1941–2014,) a black woman of trans experience, the men vowed to return and “clean up” the bar. “We do not run from a fight,” Josie replied. “We do not run from anything.” Josie’s courage was a call to action. When the servicemen returned later that night, they faced over 70 customers who heroically defended their safe space from invasion. In 2021, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project obtained official civic commemoration to ensure the Uprising will never be forgotten.

Erected 2023
Funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation
Wisconsin Historical Society