Wisconsin’s First LGBTQ Historic Marker Found Vandalized on Its Anniversary

Milwaukee's Black Nite Uprising Monument, Wisconsin's first LGBTQ-focused state historical marker, was toppled by vandals last month in an incident authorities say appears random and not bias-motivated.

Vandals toppled the Black Nite Uprising Monument in downtown Milwaukee last month, damaging the state’s first LGBTQ-centered historical marker in an incident officials describe as random rather than a hate crime.

The Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project announced the vandalism Aug. 5, marking the 65th anniversary of the Black Nite uprising the monument commemorates. Project officials said there is no evidence the vandalism was motivated by anti-LGBTQ bias.

The organization said the marker will remain out of service until 2027, following a replacement process expected to take up to six months. The Milwaukee Department of Public Works recovered the marker and placed it in storage.

Security camera footage showed an unknown individual striking the sign with an object around 7:30 p.m. July 16. Milwaukee Police said they were notified of the incident Aug. 6, weeks after it occurred. The individual fled the scene without attempting to steal or further damage the sign. No suspect has been identified.

The monument stands near North Plankinton and East St. Paul avenues, close to the former site of the Black Nite tavern at 400 N. Plankinton Ave. The Black Nite was a gay bar in 1960s Milwaukee that became the site of an uprising after four servicemen attempted to attack and “clean up” the establishment. Patrons of the bar, including several drag queens, fought back, touching off a chain of events that reshaped Milwaukee’s LGBTQ community.

On Aug. 5, 1961, four U.S. servicemen entered the Black Nite on a dare, refusing to show identification and sparking a confrontation that left one patron and one serviceman injured. After being removed, the men returned with reinforcements and began assaulting patrons and damaging property. Approximately 75 patrons, led by Josie Carter, a Black transgender woman, fought back in a brawl that caused about $2,000 in damage before the attackers fled. Though the servicemen were arrested, charges were later dismissed for lack of evidence.

Dedicated Aug. 5, 2024, the monument became the first Wisconsin state historical marker specifically honoring an LGBTQ event, listed as marker No. 615 in the Wisconsin Historical Marker program. It was the first of more than 600 markers statewide to celebrate a significant LGBTQ historical moment specifically.

“Over the past two years, the Black Nite monument has become a spiritual destination for LGBTQ visitors from all over the country,” Michail Takach, president and chair of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, said. “As a tribute to our elders, and as a testament to a lost historical neighborhood, the monument is a reminder that we have always been here, and that our stories always find a way to be seen.”

The timing of the announcement, on the exact anniversary of the brawl it memorializes, underscored the marker’s significance to the community it represents.

The Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, which serves as the nonprofit steward of the landmark, is overseeing the marker’s repair and eventual return.

Milwaukee police continue to investigate the case. No arrests have been made.