History Project shatters winter fundraising goals

Thanks to overwhelming community support, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project's winter fundraising campaign raised $10,000 to support visible, accessible, and inclusive LGBTQ landmarks throughout Wisconsin.

The Black Nite Rising Fund Drive launched December 1, 2024 with a goal of raising a $5,000 reserve to support care and maintenance for the state's only LGBTQ historic marker, honoring the Black Nite Uprising of August 1961.

Throughout the winter months, the History Project called for online donations, hosted a series of events, and sold "Hearts for History" (honoring inspiring LGBTQ individuals) at over two dozen businesses throughout Wisconsin.

The History Project was also the beneficiary of "Legends of Drag in Titletown," a sold-out fundraising event hosted March 28 at Green Bay's Historic Tarlton Theater that raised over $1,200.

"This outpouring of support is a sign that all hope is not lost," said Bill Wardlow, History Project community advisor and fundraising leader. "This is proof that there are so many people in our corner. Our community stood up for ourselves in 1961 at the Black Nite Uprising, and through this campaign, we are doing the same thing."

"Just when all the negativity seemed to be too much to bear, all of these business leaders showed up to show their support. Nobody hesitated to be part of this. It helped put my faith back in humanity."

Hearts for History were sold not just locally in Wisconsin, but nationally and even internationally. Bill plans to repeat the fundraiser in early 2026.

"It was heartwarming to be part of something so impactful," he said. "Some bars raised money through Green Bay Packers football pools... only in Wisconsin."

"We owe Bill Wardlow a tremendous debt of gratitude," said Michail Takach, chair of the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project. "He personally brought this entire fundraiser to life all over Wisconsin. His gifts of time and talent were an investment that will pay off for the entire community."

"For nearly 30 years, the History Project was a self-funded venture that received no federal, state, or local funding," said Takach. "So we are very, very humbled by the generosity of every private donor. Whether you gave $1 or $1000, the message is loud and clear: our history and heritage matters to you, and we are committed to its continued celebration."

The History Project have dedicated the funds to not only maintain the Black Nite Uprising monument, but launch a Wisconsin LGBTQ landmarks program that will include additional historic markers and milestones, including new rainbow crosswalks in Walker's Point.

"We are fortunate to have one of the only historic markers in America honoring a Black woman of trans experience right here in Milwaukee," said Takach, "but we also have 620 historic markers in Wisconsin and only one honoring the contributions of LGBTQ people."

"The ghosts of LGBTQ Wisconsin are all around us every day. And now, more than ever, our history demands to be seen."

Donations to the Black Nite Rising Fund are still being accepted online.

Many thanks to our community partners, including Fluid, DIX, POP, Walker's Pint, La Cage, This Is It, Fat Daddy's, Woody's, Y-Not II, Strand on Second, Harbor Room, Revel Bar, The ReMixx, The Rigby, Five Nightclub, Club Icon, Rascals Appleton, Clementine's, Red Maple, The Dark Horse, O'Lydia's, Stenys, Shamrock, Woof's, Divino, Club Charlie's, Revival, and The Bottle.

Special thanks to private donors Karen Valentine, Tyler Priebe, and Brad Schliakowski.