Stonewall Inn in New York City, together with surrounding areas, was designated as the United States' first national monument to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, President Barack Obama announced on Friday, June 24.
"This week I'm designating the Stonewall National Monument as the newest addition to America's national park system," Obama said in a video released by the White House.
"I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country -- the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us, that we are stronger together. That out of many, we are one," Obama added.
The White House said the protected area would include Christopher Park, the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan's Greenwich Village and the surrounding streets and sidewalks, which were the sites of the 1969 Stonewall uprising.
Welcome to the family #412: Stonewall National Monument https://t.co/w1LtqJp595 #FindYourPark #Pride2016 pic.twitter.com/tROnnPKbUT— NationalParkService (@NatlParkService) June 24, 2016
A bit of history on the Stonewall Inn: In the early morning of June 28, 1969, a police raid on the inn - a usual occurrence at gay bars in the '60s - made history when patrons fought back. After the arrest of many Stonewall patrons that morning, people protested outside the bar for weeks, leading to the first march for gay and lesbian rights the following month.
Those protests at the Stonewall are often credited as the breaking point for LGBT rights in the United States.
Obama's announcement came two days before New York City's Sunday Pride march, with this weekend marking the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's ruling on legalizing same-sex marriage. June is traditionally Pride month in many cities around the world.
"Today’s designation follows years of strong support from local officials, organizations, members of Congress and citizens in New York City and across the country," the White House said in a press release.
Along with the announcement, the White House released a video about the significance of the Stonewall, with narration from the president.
The video will play on the billboards in Times Square during the city's Pride festival Saturday noon.
Photo: The Business Journals
Source: CNN
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