Brooklyn Park Renamed after Trans Activist Marsha P. Johnson

August 25, 2020

Gov. Andrew Cuomo dedicated Brooklyn’s East River State Park to Black transgender rights activist Marsha P. Johnson, making it the first state park in New York named after an LGBTQ person and transgender woman of color.

Located on the Williamsburg waterfront, the park will feature a new colorful public art installation honoring Johnson, who played a significant role in the Stonewall Uprising and was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front. The dedication comes on what would have been Johnson’s 75th birthday.

Artwork and materials honoring Johnson will be installed in the park as part of an outdoor gallery.  Other improvements expected to be complete by next summer include a new park container-based facility with public bathrooms, park ranger contact station, and storage.