The Legacy of Harvey Milk
November 28 was the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Harvey Milk, a camera shop operator who became the first openly gay elected official in the United States. Milk ran for city supervisor in San Francisco three times and was elected in 1977.
November 28 was the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Harvey Milk, a camera shop operator who became the first openly gay elected official in the United States. Milk ran for city supervisor in San Francisco three times and was elected in 1977. In a fight to expand the understanding of civil rights, Milk carefully nurtured alliances with people who might not have been recognized as likely supporters of gay rights including senior citizens, African Americans, and Latinos. Ten days before his assassination by former city supervisor Dan White, Milk recorded a message to for his supporters to be played only in the event of his death.
- When you think about the struggle for civil rights whose stories come to mind? Do you think the struggle for equal treatment of gays and lesbians is a civil rights issue? Why or why not?
- Compare the social, legal, and political issues facing gays and lesbians in the 1970s with those today. What is similar? What is different?
- What did Milk want his supporters to know about his role?
- What did he see as his role?
What does Milk mean when he says, "I have never considered myself a candidate...I was part of a candidacy"? What is the difference?
