August 27, 2009 | Sex & Society

California recognizes Harvey Milk

Harvey Milk will be one of 13 new inductees into California's Hall of Fame.

Milk was the first openly gay elected official from a major city in the United States when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. A year later he   was murdered by Dan White, a former city supervisor.

He will be joining the likes of Carol Burnett, George  Lucas, Danielle Steel and Air Force test pilot General Chuck Yeager.

"Now more than ever, I see how the perseverance and passion of one person can have a lasting impact in the lives of people, not only in their community but across the world," said Hall of Fame founder Maria Shriver.

"Every individual inducted into the California Hall of Fame symbolizes the biggest hearts, the greatest drive and the deepest inspiration," Shriver continued. "It's an honor to induct these extraordinary individuals who have each made their own unique mark in history."

State Senator Mark Leno, the first openly gay man to sit in the Senate, welcomed Milk's nomination.

"Today’s announcement by First Lady Maria Shriver recognizes the important leadership role Harvey Milk played in our state and nation and further illustrates the historic and international nature of his legacy," he said. "I appreciate the First Lady’s support and admiration for Harvey’s work to further equal civil rights for all people. He gave his life for what he believed in, and in doing so gave hope to generations of LGBT Californians who continue to struggle for full equality."

An honor well deserved.

Milk, Lucas named to California Hall of Fame [Associated Press]

Harvey Milk to be inducted into California Hall of Fame [Edge Boston]