Kansas City Installed Historic Marker for Soakie's
The city honored the former Black queer nightclub with a permanent marker at the H&R Block Pavilion.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in LGBTQand
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Kansas City has unveiled a historical marker to recognize Soakie's, a nightclub that served as a vital community space for Black queer residents. The site serves as a lasting tribute to a venue that operated for a decade before closing.
Why it matters
The marker provides permanent public acknowledgement for a historic community gathering space that historically lacked formal recognition. This effort ensures the legacy of local Black queer history is preserved for future generations.
Soakie's operated from 1994 until its closure in 2004, though the business was originally founded by Salvatore Rinaldo in 1962. Supporters secured city approval for the new marker following a 15-minute presentation during a luncheon.
The players
Soakie's
This former nightclub was a significant Black queer social space in Kansas City that operated for a decade.
Salvatore Rinaldo
He was the founder of the business that eventually became the nightclub in 1962.
Nasir Anthony Montalvo
He is the founder of the Black/queer Kansas City archive, which worked to secure the historical marker.
The details
The marker is located at the H&R Block Pavilion, a site near the original location of the nightclub in the Power & Light District. The installation resulted from a partnership between the city and the Black/queer Kansas City archive to formally commemorate the historic venue.
Timeline
Salvatore Rinaldo founded the business in 1962.
The venue transformed into a nightclub in 1994.
Soakie's closed its doors in 2004.
Nasir Anthony Montalvo launched the B/qKC archive in 2024.
City officials unveiled the historical marker on September 26, 2026.
Culture Shift
This installation reflects a broader trend of local historical societies seeking to diversify public commemorative spaces to include previously excluded narratives. Such efforts mark a significant departure from traditional marker programs that often overlooked the history of queer nightlife and minority-led venues.
Residents can now visit the H&R Block Pavilion to engage with this tangible piece of local history. The project encourages the public to explore how the city integrates the legacy of Black queer social spaces into its contemporary downtown identity.
The takeaway
Preservation efforts often rely on the collaboration between grassroots archives and municipal authorities to ensure community history is formally documented. Citizens interested in local heritage can support these initiatives by contributing to or engaging with community-led historical projects.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of LGBTQand history and preservation in the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KCUR 89.3 - NPR in Kansas City. Local news, entertainment and podcasts..
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