Brooklyn Grand Army Plaza’s legacy of activism and unity endures in recent times
Before the year 1867, Flatbush and Ninth Avenues were separated by an unusually large, clumsy section of grass—a scene that hardly benefitted those commuting toward Prospect Park. With funding from the New York State Legislature in the early 1860s, the city of Brooklyn embarked on a project to create an entrance that would effectively separate the bustling downtown city from the borough’s largest natural attraction.
This monumental task fell on the shoulders of Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, known as the “Father of Landscape Architecture.” Their mission was to design a “wide and picturesque approach to the park, (complete with) ornamental roads free of commercial traffic”—a sanctuary introducing a section dedicated to peace and tranquility. However, over the following century and a half, Grand Army Plaza underwent numerous renovations, often commemorating progressive political leaders and movements throughout American history.
With these intentions, or perhaps in defiance of them, Grand Army Plaza has over the years doubled as an assembly point for protesters and demonstrators, spreading awareness of movements for equality throughout the city and the nation.
On Saturday, June 15, hundreds of protesters gathered around the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch at the Plaza, demonstrating in solidarity with pro-Palestinian support. The arch, originally built in 1892 to commemorate the Defenders of the Union during the Civil War, now stands as a symbol of unity among American civilians from various backgrounds amid unrest in other parts of the world.
Among the attendees was Joseph Khon, a Jewish rabbi and pro-Palestinian activist, who frequently joins protests at the plaza. “It’s important to be out here for those who can’t,” Khon declared.
Brooklyn’s history is steeped in activism, with issues of gender, race, and identity equality often at the forefront. As the community grappled with these challenges, public voicing of opinions became crucial. Grand Army Plaza, designed as a space for heightened awareness, has played a pivotal role in these expressions. Suffragists fought for voting rights in the 1910s, with protests continuing until passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Civil rights leaders later blocked off the same intersection, advocating for racial equality until significant progress was made in the mid-1960s.
The plaza’s significance as a site of protest continued into modern times. A protest in the Abner Louima case drew 7,000 protestors and began at Grand Army Plaza before proceeding across the Brooklyn Bridge to New York City Hall in Manhattan. In 2020, amid the George Floyd protests, supporters gathered at the plaza, showcasing unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
“For generations, Grand Army Plaza has been a platform for voicing unheard issues,” said Jean-Louis.
The elephant in the room rears its head—issues of public safety have been of concern from the city during these protests, which are often met with forced limitations presented by public authorities such as the NYPD. The most recent case occurred about two weeks ago on May 31, when more than 200 protestors were arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest led by the Wolpalestine organization. The protest was met by police officers who reportedly “brutally kettled, tackled, and brutalized protesters at random against the backdrop of the museum’s land acknowledgements, leaving several individuals bloodied and bruised.”
As important as the need to vocalize public opinion on certain matters is, there have been instances where the goal of these demonstrations gets lost within heightened emotions. However, in the 21st century, technology has provided efficient communication outlets. It is in the best interest of all parties that these demonstrations maintain the support and safety of public authority. This is possible, as Jean-Louis remarked, through “securing permits, communicating with public safety about protest routes… and in some cases even police escorts.” Coordination and cooperation between protesters and authorities at Grand Army Plaza can ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and effective, allowing voices to be heard without compromising public safety and vice versa.
Grand Army Plaza was not originally conceived to honor progressive activists like Abraham Lincoln or JFK, nor was it intended as a venue for protests and demonstrations against inequality. However, as the fight for equality among all races, genders, and identities remains an ongoing struggle, Grand Army Plaza has evolved into maintaining a profound social significance in Brooklyn and beyond. It now stands as a symbol of hope and peace, emblematic of what can be achieved through perseverance and bravery.
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