Before the NY Yankees played the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday night, a plaque in Monument Park at Yankees Stadium was unveiled to honor the 50-year anniversary of the Stonewall Inn rebellion, which many believe spearheaded the modern-day LGBTQ movement.

50 years ago, the uprising at @TheStonewallNYC served as a catalyst for breaking barriers & accepting change. Previously in Monument Park, the Yankees have honored two men who dedicated their lives to creating equality for all: #42 Jackie Robinson & Nelson Mandela. pic.twitter.com/rz12sgsX8z

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 26, 2019

"It's incredible. It means everything. It really symbolizes human rights," USA Today reports Stacy Lentz, co-owner of the Stonewall Inn and CEO of Stonewall Gives Back Initiative, said Tuesday. "Stonewall Inn is part of that human rights story, but it is overwhelming to see it next to Jackie Robinson and Nelson Mandela."

Per the news site, the memorial is perched on a wall alongside nameplates playing homage to Jackie Robinson and Nelson Mandela, who are revered for their work in fighting prejudice, breaking barriers and creating equality for minority communities. Yankees pitchers CC Sabathia and Dellin Betances and general manager Brian Cashman were also present for the reveal.

"The Yankees have a distinct role within the fabric of this great city & we are proud to recognize the historical impact the Stonewall Inn Uprising continues to make towards acceptance & equality" -Yankees President Randy Levine pic.twitter.com/Sh0KcmXP8v

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 26, 2019

In the early hours of June 28, 1969, a police invasion of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood, launched a series of riots that fueled the LGBTQ rights movement. Per History, protests lasted six days.

"We can't thank the Yankees enough. They've been incredible, authentic partners. They've gone beyond pride night," Lentz said. "They understand that having a permanent fixture when fans come here, LGBTQ fans are going to feel safe and welcome, and visibility saves lives. So it's just incredible to partner with them. We are just humbled and honored to accept this on behalf of the entire community and everyone who came before us to make this happen."

Manager Aaron Boone spoke with Fox New York and echoed Lentz's statement with some remarks of his own.

"Inclusion, ultimately. You wear this uniform, you work for this organization, it carries a lot of weight and I think it's important that as an organization we welcome everyone not only to work for this franchise, but from a fan base. We want people from all walks of life to feel like this is a place that they can come and feel comfortable, feel safe, feel good about Yankee Stadium and the Yankees as an organization."

WorldPride 2019, which is taking place in New York through the weekend of June 28, will also honor the Stonewall riots.

NY-Yankees

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week