Westown in Milwaukee in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Black Nite Uprising
Photographed by Fitzie Heimdahl, August 5, 2024
1. The Black Nite Uprising Marker
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 5th, 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 by Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, funded by The William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 615.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Peace. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation,
this page online
Location. 43° 2.089′ N, 87° 54.676′ W. Marker has been damaged. Marker is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County. It is in Westown. It is on North Plankinton Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee WI 53203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Goll & Frank Co. Notions and Dry Goods (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Grossman & Co. Coffee and Tea Mill (about 700 feet away); F. Mayer Boot & Shoe Co. (about 700 feet away); Mercantile Building (about 700 feet
Photographed by Greta Schassler, August 6, 2024
2. The Black Nite Uprising Marker
More about this marker. The marker faces southeast. Parking is adjacent to the marker's location on St. Paul Avenue.
Also see . . . The historical marker was vandalized in July. On Friday, July 17 the marker, which was installed across the street from the site of The Black Nite, where the brawl took place on Plankinton and St. Paul Avenues – was found broken off its post and lying on the ground. Security camera footage showed an unknown person hitting the sign with an object at around 7:30 p.m., cracking the base and sending the marker to the ground. (Submitted on August 6, 2026, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Additional keywords. LGBTQ Rights; LGBT
Photographed by Fitzie Heimdahl, August 5, 2024
3. The Black Nite Uprising Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2024, by Greta Mulder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 828 times since then and 121 times this year. Last updated on August 15, 2024, by Fitzie Heimdahl of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on August 13, 2024, by Fitzie Heimdahl of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on August 7, 2024, by Greta Mulder of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on August 13, 2024, by Fitzie Heimdahl of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
