Brief History of Harvey Milk

Perhaps more than any other modern figure, Harvey Milk's life and political career embody the rise of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights movement. Milk was born on May 22, 1930 Woodmere, New York and raised on Long Island. He identified as a secular Jew. He was the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in a major city, serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 1977-1978.

While in office, Milk worked to pass a gay rights ordinance and defeat Proposition 6, commonly known as the Briggs Initiative, which would have banned gays and lesbians from teaching in public schools. Milk encouraged LGBT people to be visible in society and believed coming out was the only way they could achieve true social equality.

Milk was tragically assassinated in 1978 by Dan White, a former colleague on the Board of Supervisors whose politics often clashed with Milk’s. After resigning from the Board and being denied reappointment by then Mayor George Moscone, White entered San Francisco City Hall through a window armed with a gun and shot and killed both Moscone and Milk. Milk’s memorial service was led by openly gay Rabbi Allen Bennett of San Francisco’s Congregation Sha’ar Zahav and later the eulogy at a larger service at Congregation Emanu-El.

During White’s criminal trial, the defense argued that White was a victim of pressure and had been depressed, a state exacerbated by his consuming a large quantity of junk food before the murders. This later became known as the "Twinkie Defense." When this tactic proved successful and White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and a mere seven years and eight months in prison, San Francisco's gay community erupted into protest in what came to be known as the "White Night Riots." 

Harvey Milk's legacy as a civil rights leader is still felt today. He was named one of TIME Magazine's most influential people of the 20th century. Many institutions and organizations are named for Harvey Milk to commemorate his life and social contributions. The major motion picture MILK, chronicling the rise and fall of Harvey Milk, has captivated audiences worldwide to much critical acclaim. In August 2009, Harvey Milk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama for his contribution to the gay civil rights movement. The Harvey Milk Day Bill (SB 572) was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger on October 11th, 2009. It proclaims May 22nd Harvey Milk Day, and encourages public schools and educational institutions to conduct suitable commemorative exercises on or near that date.