Black LBGTQ History Icons

Black LBGTQ History Icons

Marsha P. Johnson

A leader of the Stonewall Riots. According to several eyewitnesses, Marsha was the one who “really started it”. She was “in the middle of the whole thing, screaming and yelling and throwing rocks and almost like Molly Pitcher in the Revolution or something”

Dedicated her life to activism:

Co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (later renamed Street Transgender Action Revolutionaries)

Ensured that the young drag queens, trans women and other street kids on Christopher Street were fed and clothed. Marsha also housed them whenever she could. 

In the 1980s, she was an activist and organizer in ACT UP. 

Stormé DeLarverie

Also a leader in the Stonewall Riots - has been identified as the “butch lesbian that threw the first punch” against the police officers.

Several eye-witnesses recollections also recognize her as the cross-dressing lesbian that yelled “why don’t you guys do something” at the bystanders that evoked the reaction from them that helped make Stonewall a defining moment in history.

Unofficially worked at gay bars who otherwise couldn’t afford security.

Bayard Rustin

Was a leading strategist of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement between 1955-1968:

The formidable behind the scenes figure of the civil rights movement who organized the March on Washington

Through his influence, the civil rights leadership adopted a non-violent stance.

Is and was often overlooked in African-American history because of the public’s discomfort with his sexual orientation.

Supported LGBTQ rights and movements.

Was posthumously awarded Rustin the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy

Another leader in the Stonewall Riots.

Has been involved in community efforts since 1978. She has worked at local food banks, provide services for trans women suffering from addiction or homelessness. During the AIDS epidemic she also provided healthcare and funeral services.

Is currently serving as the Executive Director for the Transgender GenderVariant Intersex Justice Project, working to assist transgender persons who are disproportionately incarcerated under a prison-industrial complex.

Alvin Ailey

At the young age of 22, Alvin AIley became Artistic Directer for the Horton Dance Company where he choreographed as well as directed scenes and costume designs.

Formed the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in 1958 but continued to choreograph for other companies.

Ailey’s signature works prominently reflects his Black pride.

Is credited for popularizing modern dance. 

Was also posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

Feel free to add anyone I’ve missed!

Adorable Highland Cattle Calves Are the World’s Cuddliest Little Cows

Film Photo Series By : Otakar Hevler

A Miracle of Nature, Iceland

Cameras: Mamiya RB 67, Ebony 4x5

Film: Kodak T-Max, Kodak Tri-x

Otakar on Shooting Film:

I have been photographing in Iceland since 2009. For the first visit I took digital camera with me, but I never felt really connected to those photographs. Therefore I have been returning to Iceland with analog cameras only since then. I have been mainly using Mamiya RB 67 and Ebony 4x5 cameras over the years. Preferred films of choice have been Kodak T-Max and Tri-x. I am making the final photographs in traditional darkroom, which is the ultimate goal of my photography to produce print which will last forever.

I have been inspired by Icelandic landscape since my first visit, and after visiting the usual spots on southern coast, I decided to discover the more remote parts. All these places have specific atmosphere and charisma, which I am trying to capture into my photographs. There are still many parts of Iceland, which are waiting for me to be discovered, but I also want to revisit the well-known touristic “hot spots” and photograph them again in new unusual way, which is the most challenging task photographer can take. Hopefully I will be able to try it in coming years.

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Ivan Aivazovsky (1817-1900)

if anakin and padme had raised the twins

In the early 20th century, the Rosenwald Schools were built for the education of African Americans in an effort to overcome the segregation of Jim Crow laws. Founded by prominent African American leader Booker T. Washington in partnership with Julius Rosenwald, an American clothier who became part-owner and president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, the Rosenwald Schools arose to relieve disenfranchisement and chronic underfunding of public education for African American children in the South.

The Rosenwald Schools were one of many efforts to advance educational opportunities for African Americans. Learn more about the history of African American education in our “Making A Way Out of No Way” exhibit: s.si.edu/2k6I6xc.