HARVEY MILK DAY

On May 22 let’s celebrate the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician in California and a leader of the American Civil Rights Movement.  Elected to the position of City Supervisor in San Francisco, he held office for one year before his life was tragically cut short in 1978 by a political rival who opposed Milk’s liberal views. 

Harvey Milk’s contributions to the cause of equality for all people has been recognized in a number of ways, including the issuance of a stamp with his picture on it, the posthumous awarding of the Medal of Freedom, and the creation of a holiday in his memory. 

Harvey Milk Day was officially established as a holiday in 2009 when Arnold Schwarzenegger, then governor of California, signed it into law.  Although Milk died, his work continues today through the work of the Milk Foundation, founded by his nephew Stuart Milk, in honour of his uncle.