There’s a petition to rename part of New York’s King Street – home of legendary club the Paradise Garage – after Larry Levan, resident DJ at the club.

Levan and the Paradise Garage’s legacy isn’t just a musical one – the club was an important part of the city’s gay scene in the 1970s and 1980s. You can sign the petition here, and read its accompanying pitch below.

Last year, FACT spoke to Boston DJs Soul Clap about the importance of Levan. You can read that feature here, and watch a two hour video of the Paradise Garage’s closing party here.

As the legendary DJ of the Paradise Garage, Larry Levan’s musical journeys resulted in a very strong following by both gay and straight communities alike. As one of the first DJs to perform worldwide as well as one of the first DJs to develop and own his own record label, Larry Levan was a true pioneer in the dance music industry. It was Levan’s overwhelming message through his music that became the eventual cusp of breaking down barriers which were evident. Levan’s remix and production work for some of the most revered artists and producers such as Patti Austin, Aretha Franklin, Grace Jones, Chaka Khan, Smokey Robinson, Nile Rodgers, Skyy, Instant Funk, Loleatta Holloway, and Jocelyn Brown continue to be treasured and revered today by DJs all over the world. And it is because of his legacy that this petition has been formed requesting designation of the section of King Street between Varick and Greenwich Streets to be renamed in the memory of Larry Levan.