Supervisor Burgelis Calls on Landmark Committee to Designate Black Nite Uprising Site

MILWAUKEE – On Wednesday, the Milwaukee County Landmark Committee will meet to vote on a historical landmark designation for the site of the Black Nite Uprising (400 N. Plankinton Ave.).

“The Milwaukee County Landmark Committee has the opportunity to finally acknowledge the vibrant history of Milwaukee County’s LGBTQ+ community,” said County Supervisor Peter Burgelis. “Historic landmark status for the site of the Black Nite Uprising will celebrate brave individuals who fought against hate. Milwaukee County currently has zero historically designated LGBTQ+ landmarks. I believe it is past time to change that.”

On August 5, 1961, members of Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ community clashed with a group of homophobic men at the Black Nite bar. The uprising against anti-LGBTQ+ violence was a pivotal moment across Milwaukee.

Last year, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution declaring August 5, 2021, Black Nite Brawl Day and requesting the Milwaukee County Historical Society honor the site of the Black Nite Brawl as a historical monument.

Supervisor Burgelis along with Supervisors Felesia A. Martin, Steven Shea, Ryan Clancy, Shawn Rolland, Liz Sumner, Juan Miguel Martinez, and Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson recently sent a letter to the Landmark Committee in support of the designation.

Milwaukee County ordinances designate the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s board of directors as the official advisory body on county landmark

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.