On July 4 in1965, thefirst organized LGBTrights protestin the country took place in front of Independence Hall. This Friday and Saturday, fouroriginal participants of the Annual Reminder protests —John James, Ada Bello, Paul Kuntzlerand Randy Wicker —are coming back to Philly for a private tour of theNational Constitution Center’s Speaking Out for Equalityexhibit. After, at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, the public can join them for a freepanel discussion on the equalitymovement withEvan Wolfson,founder of Freedom to Marry.
Here are three more ways to commemorate the anniversary:
National LGBT 50th Anniversary Celebration: National Legal Panel Celebration of Freedom Ceremony The Annual Reminders Block Party
Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
National Museum of American Jewish History
101 S. Independence Mall East
Free, 215-923-3811
www.nmajh.org
In honor of the 50th anniversary, the National Museum of American Jewish Historyhosts apanel to discuss LGBT rightsin the context of history, the present, and what’s coming next.
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Sixth and Chestnut streets, on the steps of Independence Hall
Free
www.welcomeamerica.com
Philly is celebrating freedom with music and readings of excerpts of the Declaration of Independence tocommemoratethe 50thanniversary of the first organized gay rights protests in the U.S., the 50thanniversary of the Voting Rights Act, the 50thanniversary of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and the 150th of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The four Annual Reminders protestors will be honored.
Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Chestnut to Pine streets, between 11th and Broad
Free, 215-875-9288
www.phillygaypride.org
The celebratory street festival organized by Philly Pride includes a dedication of the new rainbow crosswalks in the Gayborhood. Come for the food, drink and party atmosphere.
3 ways to celebrate the Annual Reminders 50th anniversary
M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia
