To commemorate LGBT History Month, Chicago's Legacy Project will dedicate seven new bronze plaques to the Legacy Walk on Oct. 11, National Coming Out Day. The traveling ceremony, which will begin 3 p.m. at the corner of Buckingham Avenue and Halsted Street, will be conducted by youth participants from the Legacy Project Education Initiative.
Unlike the 2012 and 2013 dedications, this year's additions are being sponsored almost entirely by private donors.
Poet Audre Lorde's memorial is being sponsored by the Friends and Family of Chicago activist Vernita Gray. "Vernita was a mentor to many and hero to all," said group spokesperson Dalila Fridi. "When approached about the dedication to Audre being planned in Vernita's honor, I didn't think twice. It was only befitting since Vernita was the first one to tell me about Audre. Vernita loved quoting Audre and she was so proud to share the writings of her favorite poet with many of us. I'm very proud to honor Vernita in this way."
Olympian Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias's memorial is being sponsored by Laura Angelucci and Jennifer Baker, Psalm One and Fluffy, Vic Richards, Chris Pritchard, Michael Shields and The Highfield Group. Spokesperson Paul Highfield told Windy City Times, "So many of my lesbian and straight female friends are incredible athletes. To honor them, I decided to coordinate raising the funds for Babe's plaque. One of the greatest athletes that ever lived, Babe was, and continues to be, an inspiration to all."
Gregory "Blue" Pittsley sponsored composer Cole Porter's memorial in memory of his father, Robert Pittsley. "Sponsoring Cole's plaque was an opportunity to publicly memorialize my gay father's unsuccessful struggle to find a creative niche due to his sexual orientation and the limitations, both actual and perceived, he experienced so many decades ago," said Pittsley. "He found inner peace, but never overcame the feeling that his considerable talents had never been properly expressed. A modest man who had met Cole Porter, I know he's kicking up his heels at being remembered in this context."
The only corporate sponsor for 2014, Stoli Group USA, is sponsoring the memorial for Ugandan activist and martyr David Kato Kisule. "David was a person of extraordinary courage who fought for the human rights of all people. We at Stoli Group USA are proud to honor his legacy as we believe in equal rights for all people and hope this tribute will continue to drive the change we all hope for in the world," said John Esposito, president of Stoli Group USA.
The memorial for Fr. Mychal Judgeknown to many as the "Saint of 9/11"is being sponsored by a consortium of LGBT Catholic groups, with Dignity/Chicago coordinating. In a statement the group's spokesperson, Martin Grochala, said, "Our affinity for Fr. Judge comes in recognition of his ministry to Dignity/New York, to the poor, and people living with AIDS. We hope that Fr. Mychal's life will serve as an inspiration for future generations of LGBTQI people and a recognition of so many whose selfless service has helped to bring healing to our world."
The memorial for the United States' first woman in space, Dr. Sally Ride, has renowned WGN-TV meteorologist Tom Skilling as its backer. He told Windy City Times, "I wanted to celebrate Dr. Ride, not only for being 'America's First Woman in Space', but for her unwavering commitment to educating young people. The Sally Ride Science Center and I share a passionate belief in the importance of science education to America's future. Her tenacity in life inspired countless others to follow their dreams and literally reach for the stars."
This year's dedications will also feature a first for the Legacy Walkthe inclusion of an historic milestone. The bronze marker commemorating the Stonewall Riots has Paul Highfield, Myron Mix, Elizabeth A. Liechty, Ronald Puskarits, Emma and Quinn Seslowsky, Bill Wade, Steven Woods, Jeffrey Litzsinger, Joseph ( Joel ) Allen, Paul Desousa, Patrick F. Torres and Chris Pritchard as sponsors.
Highfield, the group's spokesperson, told Windy City Times, "I'm delighted to have spearheaded the sponsorship of this memorial commemorating the Stonewall Riots. Over time, so much of our history is lostthe fight to get where we are today is not accurately remembered or fully understood. There are many wonderful LGBT biographies on the Legacy Walk. I thought it was time that an historic milestone be includedhopefully just the first of many to come."
The seven new memorial markers will join the 23 plaques already affixed to the rainbow pylons along North Halsted Street. Eighteen plaques were part of the original dedication in 2012 and five additional markers were added in 2013. With 30 bronze memorials in all, the Legacy Walk is home to the largest collection of bronze biographical markers in the world.
"We are thrilled to welcome all the participants to this year's dedication of Chicago's award-winning Legacy Walk outdoor LGBT museum installation," said Victor Salvo, executive director of the Legacy Project Chicago. "The amazing people and events that are joining this unique installation will resonate for years to come with all who travel to North Halsted Street to see the largest collection of bronze biographical markers in the world."
The outdoor dedication event is free to the public. Following the ceremony; students, their parents and special guests will gather on the rooftop deck of the Center on Halsted for a pizza party. On Oct. 18, a dedication celebration will take place at Sidetrack; WGN-TV's Sean Lewis will host.
To purchase tickets, visit www.legacyprojectchicago.org/2014_Dedication_Tickets.html .
See www.legacyprojectchicago.org for more information .
Note: Carrie Maxwell is also a volunteer with the Legacy Project.
See related press release at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/The-Legacy-Walk-Dedication-Phase-III-Oct-11/49065.html .