55 years later: Black liberation and the Stonewall Riots

The Stonewall Riots, which began on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village, are widely recognized as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. However, the pivotal roles of Black and Latino individuals in this historic uprising are often overshadowed.The Stonewall Inn served as a sanctuary for many marginalized groups, including Black and Latino LGBTQ+ people who regularly faced discrimination and violence. On the night of the raid, the frustration and anger among patrons, stemming from years of systemic oppression, erupted into a fierce confrontation with police. This clash marked the beginning of six days of protests that would reshape the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.Among the notable figures in the riots was Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman whose actions were instrumental in the uprising. Although accounts differ, many believe Johnson was among the first to resist the police, either by throwing a brick or a bottle. Her courage and leadership, alongside her close friend Sylvia Rivera, a Latina transgender activist, were crucial in sustaining the momentum of the riots. Johnson and Rivera later co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, organizations dedicated to supporting homeless queer youth...