Mayor's Office

I issued a proclamation recognizing May 22, 2021 as Harvey Milk Day, honoring the life and legacy of Harvey Milk.

Milk was one of the first openly LGBTQ elected officials in the United States and a leader of the American civil rights movement. An inspiration to members of the LGBTQ community and beyond, Milk was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century for his advocacy work in the LGBTQ community. Advocating for safe, strong neighborhoods, public education, affordable childcare, and equal rights for all, Milk is remembered as not just a champion of the LGBTQ community but an advocate for all marginalized peoples.

Milk was elected to the position of city supervisor in San Francisco where he held office for one year before he was assassinated in 1978. Milk’s political pioneering is commemorated in a number of ways, including the issuance of a United States postage stamp and as a posthumous recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Madison can continue to honor his legacy by ensuring that Madison is a safe and welcoming place for our LGBTQ community and for everyone. Harvey said, “Hope will never be silent,” and our hope is that in honoring him with this day, Madison declares that we will not accept discrimination or violence brought against any groups in our community.

Read the proclamation here:

Harvey Milk Day proclamation