Williamsburg in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Welcome to Marsha P. Johnson State Park

A place on the river to be who you are

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, February 16, 2024

1. Welcome to Marsha P. Johnson State Park Marker

Inscription.

Welcome to Marsha P. Johnson State Park. A place on the river to be who you are.

"Dedicating this state park for Marsha P. Johnson will ensure her memory and her work fighting for equality lives on." , -Governor Andrew Cuomo

, Marsha P. Johnson State Park is the first park in New York State to be named after a TLGBQ+ person and a Black transgender woman. The park was previously called East River State Park. It was officially renamed on February 1, 2020 by Governor Andrew Cuomo, whose term in office included several landmark achievements for TLGBQ+ people and equality in general. In his announcement of the rededication of the park, Governor Cuomo condemned hate crimes and discriminatory policies, and urged all of us to recognize "the commonality of humanity.", Marsha P. Johnson was a trailblazer and a game changer in the fight for TLGBQ+ acceptance. She is a recognized icon in the Gay and Trans Rights Movements, and the subject of several books and films. Her contributions to the fight for equality and equity will never be forgotten, and her work and activism with her longtime friend Sylvia Rivera helped propel the modern day Trans Rights Movement., Please enjoy the park, and please help keep it a safe space for all people, no matter how they identify, and a place to recognize how we can care for one another. Outside the park, there are many ways to continue supporting the TLGBQ+ community. Educate yourself and spread the word. Support TLGBQ+ businesses, artists, political leaders, and organizations. Reach out to your leaders about protecting the rights of all people., [Caption:] , Marsha P. Johnson was the fifth of seven children born to Malcolm Michaels Sr. and Alberta (Claiborne) Michaels on August 24, 1945, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Marsha relocated to Manhattan's West Village in 1963 after graduating from Thomas A. Edison High School and briefly enrolling in the U.S. Navy. In the Village, Marsha became known for her style, generosity, and activism against injustice.

"Dedicating this state park for Marsha P. Johnson will ensure her memory and her work fighting for equality lives on."
-Governor Andrew Cuomo

Marsha P. Johnson State Park is the first park in New York State to be named after a TLGBQ+ person and a Black transgender woman. The park was previously called East River State Park. It was officially renamed on February 1, 2020 by Governor Andrew Cuomo, whose term in office included several landmark achievements for TLGBQ+ people and equality in general. In his announcement of the rededication of the park, Governor Cuomo condemned hate crimes and discriminatory policies, and urged all of us to recognize "the commonality of humanity."

Marsha P. Johnson was a trailblazer and a game changer in the fight for TLGBQ+ acceptance. She is a recognized icon in the Gay and Trans Rights Movements, and the subject of several books and films. Her contributions to the fight for equality and equity will never be forgotten, and her work and activism with her longtime friend Sylvia Rivera helped propel the modern day Trans Rights Movement.

Please enjoy the park, and please help keep it a safe space for all people, no matter how they identify, and a place to recognize how we can care for one another. Outside the park, there are many ways

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to continue supporting the TLGBQ+ community. Educate yourself and spread the word. Support TLGBQ+ businesses, artists, political leaders, and organizations. Reach out to your leaders about protecting the rights of all people.

[Caption:]
Marsha P. Johnson was the fifth of seven children born to Malcolm Michaels Sr. and Alberta (Claiborne) Michaels on August 24, 1945, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Marsha relocated to Manhattan's West Village in 1963 after graduating from Thomas A. Edison High School and briefly enrolling in the U.S. Navy. In the Village, Marsha became known for her style, generosity, and activism against injustice.

Erected by New York State Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Parks & Recreational Areas • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is February 1, 2020.

Location. 40° 43.272′ N, 73° 57.655′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Williamsburg. Marker is on Kent Avenue north of North 8th Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker hangs on the fencing around Marsha P. Johnson State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 91 Kent Ave, Brooklyn NY 11249, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, February 16, 2024

2. Welcome to Marsha P. Johnson State Park Marker

of this marker. A Meadow in the City (within shouting distance of this marker); Marsha P. Johnson (within shouting distance of this marker); Park for the People (within shouting distance of this marker); What Is Trans? (within shouting distance of this marker); What Are Your Pronouns? (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Friends on the Fringes (about 400 feet away); A Trans Rights Timeline (about 500 feet away); STAR House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.

Additional keywords. LGBT, LGBTQ, 🏳️‍🌈

Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 59 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 20, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.