Rainbow Crosswalks to be Re-Painted in Milwaukee
Rainbow crosswalk in front of Taylor’s. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.
Milwaukee, WI – Friday, May 29, 2020 – This is It!, the longest-running LGBTQ+ in the State of Wisconsin, is proud to announce that arrangements have been made for Crowley Construction Corp. to re-paint the rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Jefferson and Wells Streets. The re-painting is scheduled, weather and conditions permitting, for Saturday, June 6, 2020 during This is It!’s Virtual Pride weekend.
The rainbow crosswalks were first installed in November 2018 after a 2-year effort initiated by This is It! bar owner George Schneider. Ultimately, the installation became a reality with the aide of the City of Milwaukee, the East Town Association, Milwaukee Pride, and the support of over a dozen LGBTQ+ organizations.
The crosswalks need to be re-painted annually because of normal wear and tear and seasonal weathering. Funding for re-painting and maintenance is through private donations and fundraising efforts by This is It!. No taxpayer money is utilized.
“The timing could not be better,” says George Schneider. “Not only does this annual maintenance coincide with our Virtual Pride weekend, Pride Month, and what would normally be PrideFest, it also serves as a beacon of hope during this pandemic.” Schneider also expressed thanks on behalf of the bar to all the patrons who helped raise money to help make this all possible.
The location of the two crosswalks commemorates Milwaukee’s first pride march in 1989, which ended at Cathedral Square.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
