ACT UP Infiltrates the NYSE (1989)

On September 14th, 1989 a large rally was planned at the New York Stock Exchange, like many others that ACT UP had planned before. While hundreds rallied outside the NYSE, a small group of organizers infiltrated the building to protest the price of a medicine that was new at the time for HIV/AIDS, azidothymidine (AZT). A foghorn was used to disrupt opening and for the first time in history, the opening bell was disrupted. The price of AZT was lowered by 20% (to $6,400/year).

Sources

1. ACT UP, "ACTUP Capsule History 1989"
2. NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project, "ACT UP Demonstration at the New York Stock Exchange"