PROCLAMATION

A Proclamation honoring Harvey Milk - “Hope will never be silent”

WHEREAS, Today we honor the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician in California and a leader of the American Civil Rights Movement; and

WHEREAS, Time magazine included Harvey Milk on a list titled “The 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century”; and

WHEREAS, Harvey Milk was not only an advocate for the LGBT community, but for all minorities. He believed in safe, strong neighborhoods and supported public education, affordable childcare, and equal rights for all; and

WHEREAS, Harvey Milk was elected to the position of city supervisor in San Francisco where 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; and

WHEREAS, 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

WHEREAS, Harvey Milk’s work continues today through the work of the Milk Foundation, founded by his nephew Stuart Milk, in honor of his uncle.

WHEREAS, We honor Harvey Milk today, let us remember his words “Hope will never be silent.” Members of the LGBTQ community – in the United States and around the world – still face discrimination and violence, rooted in the same hatred that Milk died fighting. They deserve hope, and they cannot abide our silence.

NOW THEREFORE, IT IS PROCLAIMED, by the Mayor and City Council, and on behalf of the citizens of the City of Newberg, Oregon, that we proclaim May 22, 2020 as “Harvey Milk Day.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of the City of Newberg to be affixed on this 18^th day of May, 2020.

             ________________________________

             Rick Rogers, Mayor