Yesterday was the first Harvey Milk Day in California. Burbank among the only cities to proclaim it. [View All]

The Burbank Human Relations Council, one of the oldest civil rights organizations in Los Angeles County, persuaded the City government to declare Harvey Milk Day.

The proclamation read in part: Whereas, Harvey Milk’s contributions to the culture and history of California continues to question our commitment to equality for our fellow American Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgendered Community.

Whereas, Harvey Milk’s life is an example of triumph of non violent social change, the fight for equal rights for minorities and the personal price of political courage; I, Mayor Anja Reinke, declare May 22nd 2010 Harvey Milk Day in the City of Burbank.

Mike Chapman, who received the proclamation, told a story of many years ago attending a meeting of the City Council and the subject of “gays in Burbank” came up. Everyone seems to nod in agreement that there were no gays in Burbank. Which seemed a little odd to Mike because he was seated right next to a gay person who was, in turn, seated right next to …a gay person.

John Brady, president of BHRC, concluded the comments by saying that “This is a step in the evolution of the American culture. One that is based on equality, justice and respect for all who live here.”