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ACT UP/Los Angeles picket sign collection

 Collection
Identifier: Coll2018-027

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Scope and Contents

This collection comprises picket signs created by members of ACT UP/Los Angeles, circa 1987-1996. These signs were displayed during demonstrations and protests organized by ACT UP/Los Angeles to bring attention to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to advocate for more support services, funding, and medical research. In particular, these signs were displayed in a variety of demonstrations and events, including the Republican National Convention, the Democratic National Convention, protests at LA-area hospitals, as well as pride parades. In addition, several of the signs in this collection feature names and faces of Los Angeles activists who died of complications from AIDS.

Dates

  • Creation: circa 1987-1996

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to researchers. Digital images of all 157 items are available on the USC Digital Library. Access to the physical items is restricted.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Biographical / Historical

Los Angeles activists, inspired by ACT UP New York and energized by the 1987 March on Washington, organized to form an ACT UP chapter in Los Angeles. On December 04, 1987, ACT UP/Los Angeles (ACT UP/LA) met for the first time in West Hollywood. The organization focused on improving AIDS healthcare services and networking with a broad coalition of progressive groups. The chapter utilized non-violent direct action as a means to draw media attention and challenge the status quo. Members were offered civil disobedience training and support teams were formed to track confrontations and arrests. Official actions were approved by the membership; however, a number of affinity groups, such as Stop AIDS Now Or Else (SANOE), sponsored their own actions. Nationally ACT UP actions brought about the transformation of the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) medication trial and approval processes, expanded AIDS healthcare services including those for women and prisoners, and challenged immigration and naturalization policies.

Extent

## Cubic Feet (157 items.)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Picket signs created by members of ACT UP/Los Angeles, circa 1987-1996. These signs were displayed during demonstrations and protests organized by ACT UP/Los Angeles to bring attention to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to advocate for more support services, funding, and medical research.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Raymond Reece, September 13 and 19, 2008.

Related Materials

ACT UP/Los Angeles Records, Coll2011-010, ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, Los Angeles, California.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Cooper Moll, 2019.

Title
Finding aid to the ACT UP/Los Angeles picket sign collection, circa 1987-1996
Status
In Progress
Author
Loni Shibuyama
Date
© 2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is in English.
Sponsor
Processing this collection has been funding by a generous grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR).

Repository Details

Part of the ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, University of Southern California Repository

Contact:
909 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles California 90007 United States
(213) 821-2771