New York Yankees commemorate 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising with scholarship

September 25, 2018 Queer Forty Staff 3 min read

The New York Yankees recently announced the creation of the Yankees-Stonewall Scholars Initiative to commemorate the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn uprising and celebrate the achievements of New York City Public School graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic achievement, a commitment to equality and impactful support for the LGBTQ community.

The Yankees-Stonewall initiative will provide $50,000 worth of scholarships through five $10,000 college scholarships to be presented to one student from each of the five boroughs of New York City. The scholarships are intended to allow these students the resources to fulfill their educational and career goals. The selection process will be conducted by the New York City Department of Education with public high schools being able to nominate one graduating senior from each school for selection. Further details regarding the nomination process will be announced by the N.Y.C. Department of Education at a later date.

The implementation of the Yankees-Stonewall Scholars Initiative is a result of a collaboration between the New York Yankees, Stonewall Inn, N.Y.C. Department of Education and N.Y.C. Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

“Through this initiative we are proud to recognize the profound historical impact of Stonewall and celebrate the many meaningful contributions of the LGBTQ community,” said Yankees Managing General Partner Hal Steinbrenner. “The Yankees wholeheartedly support equality for all individuals and applaud any efforts which make our society more inclusive and tolerant. It is our hope that this scholarship program will serve as a springboard for young LGBTQ student community members and advocates as they continue the pursuit of their dreams, ambitions and livelihoods.”

“The Stonewall Inn represents the very place where gay pride began, and we are extremely excited that the New York Yankees will be an official partner of ours and the upcoming 50th anniversary of Stonewall,” said Stacy Lentz, co-owner of the Stonewall Inn and Founder of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. “Their support of the Stonewall legacy is a historic step and we look forward to continuing our work together to elevate awareness and support for full LGBTQ equality.”

The recipients of the awards will be celebrated at a game at Yankee Stadium during the Yankees’ homestand from June 17-26, 2019. Events at Yankee Stadium will include representatives from the LGBTQ community, New York City Department of Education, New York City government and Stonewall Inn.

“This tremendous show of support by the New York Yankees is going to have an incredible impact for students who have given so much to their schools and communities,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “I look forward to meeting these exceptional students in June.”

During 2019, the Yankees will hold other LGBTQ community-themed commemorations, the details of which will be announced during the 2019 season.

“The Stonewall Inn here in New York City is the home of the LGBTQ Civil Rights Movement, and it is heartwarming to see the New York Yankees support the next generation of LGBTQ civil rights leaders,” said Speaker Corey Johnson. “The Yankees-Stonewall Initiative is a beautiful way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and another demonstration of the Yankees’ commitment to the LGBTQ community. No matter which team you root for, you have to cheer for this move by the New York Yankees.”

Each summer, New York City hosts NYC Pride, which includes its famed Pride March. In 2019, New York will simultaneously be the home of WorldPride 2019, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. This sixth edition of WorldPride will be the first held in the United States and the second held in North America. The event, also branded “Stonewall50,” is headlined by the theme “Millions of Moments of Pride,” representing the invaluable and countless experiences every person encounters during annual celebrations and commemorations around the world.