The Legacy Project celebrated its 55th Legacy Wall installation June 16 at Chicago’s City Hall and Cook County’s Administration joint location (City Hall) in Chicago’s Loop.
This marks the first time the LGBTQ+ people and milestones informational Legacy Wall has been at a City Hall and/or County-level government location since its creation. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced at the event that June 16, 2025, is “Legacy Project Day” in Chicago.
Ald. Lamont Robinson (4th Ward) lauded the city and county for their continued support of the LGBTQ community especially in light of the ongoing attacks against queer and trans people in recent months. He said the Legacy Wall biographies remind everyone of all the important LGBTQ people who have existed throughout history.
Legacy Co-Founder and Executive Director Victor Salvo said, “The Legacy Wall is the cousin of the Legacy Walk, which is the outdoor museum on Halsted Street, and both of them are linked together by the Legacy Project Education Initiative, the foundation for the State of Illinois’ LGBTQ Inclusive public-school curriculum … The Wall stands as a symbol because LGBTQ identities have been redacted from the historic record.”
Salvo added that when he was a young gay person, this information was not available to him and that made him feel like he was all alone. He said the Legacy Project exists mainly for young people who are “struggling” with their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, so they know they are a part of a lineage of LGBTQ people of note throughout history and from around the world.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said the Legacy Wall is a tribute to the LGBTQ community’s “history and resilience … Cook County is honored to partner with the city of Chicago to unveil this powerful exhibit. The Legacy Wall brings to life the stories of LGBTQ trailblazers, artists, scientists, activists and educators. People whose contributions shape the world we live in, even if the history books left them out. We know that visibility matters, representation matters. That’s exactly what the Legacy Wall provides, a space where LGBTQ stories are remembered and celebrated at a time when LGBTQ communities are once again being targeted across this country. This installation is [important.] It’s a statement. It says we will not go backward. We will not allow these lives or their legacies to be erased.”
Preckwinkle added that under her leadership, Cook County will ensure that LGBTQ people are protected.
Johnson said, “All of those who have fought for recognition to be seen, respected and loved, our city is proud. We have a very vibrant LGBTQ+ community who have made incredible contributions in every single corner of our city. Helping it to become the great city that it is today. It’s important that we celebrate and educate our city and others on their many achievements and their contributions. And that is why the Legacy Wall is so important.
“As a former social studies teacher, I know how important it is for our students to learn and understand every aspect of our shared histories. And that is why it’s amazing that the Legacy Wall will be a digital link to our schools LGBTQ+ inclusive public-school curriculum. I have no doubt that the Legacy Wall will educate, inspire and uplift all those who experience it.”
Johnson added that the Legacy Wall is a “symbol of our dedication to equity, inclusion and pride” and reiterated that his administration is proud to be “strong allies of our LGBTQ+ community and we will continue to work to ensure that everyone can feel safe, secure and welcome in our city.”
The Legacy Wall, which is having its 10th anniversary, will be on display in City Hall’s lobby through June 27.
The Legacy Project has also launched the #WeWillNotBeErased campaign this year to educate the public about LGBTQ+ people and milestones that are being systematically erased from federal governmental entities by Trump Administration.
Note: Carrie Maxwell is also the Legacy Project Senior Researcher