Wolfe: Stand up for Harvey Milk in your city

Mon, Dec 1st 2008, 16:20

Victory Fund President and CEO Chuck Wolfe writes:

I remember the first time I saw Harvey Milk on TV. There he was, the supervisor of a big city like San Francisco, and one of the first openly gay elected officials in the world. It’s hard to believe thirty years have passed since he was murdered in San Francisco City Hall.

Harvey changed everything for me. And I know I’m not the only one — an entire generation has grown up with greater possibility because of his sacrifice.

So that’s why I can’t believe California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a proposal to recognize Harvey Milk’s legacy — a small gesture that’s really the least we could offer a martyred civil rights hero. His explanation?

“I believe his contributions should continue to be recognized at the local level by those who were most impacted by his contributions.”

Seriously?! A local hero? Governor, I beg to differ. I felt the shockwave of Harvey’s groundbreaking election and devastating murder as far away as West Palm Beach, Florida. His impact extended well beyond San Francisco — and California. And it dishonors his memory to suggest otherwise.

We can’t allow Harvey’s story to be limited to a single time and place. He inspired and empowered Americans in every corner of the country. Let’s show Gov. Schwarzenegger — and anyone who agrees with him - that Milk matters in your city, and in all 50 states.

Recently, I e-mailed our supporters to ask them to put their names on this map, along with a message saying why Harvey Milk mattered to them in their city. The response was overwhelming, with messages coming in from all over the country and internationally as well.

I invite you to put your city on the map as a testament to Harvey’s work and his spirit. The victories of so many LGBT candidates this year couldn’t have happened without Harvey’s groundbreaking civil rights leadership three decades ago.

Harvey knew that he was risking his life to represent his openly at a time when homosexuality was a felony in San Francisco, but he didn’t let that stop him. Instead, he made a bold declaration: “If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door.”

It’s ludicrous to suggest that Harvey’s sacrifice doesn’t merit wide recognition. This is one small way you can honor Milk’s legacy — add your hometown to the map for Harvey, and ask your friends to do the same.

Thank you for helping to preserve an international hero’s legacy.