What: Local dedication of new stamp honoring visionary leader and activist
When: Tues., June 17, 2014 6:15 PM
The Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.
Background: The Chicago District will hold a local dedication of the new Harvey Milk Forever stamp at the Center on Halsted.
Harvey Milk ( 1930-1978 ) was a visionary leader who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Milk's achievements gave hope and confidence to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender ( LGBT ) community in the United States and elsewhere at a time when the community was encountering widespread hostility and discrimination. Milk believed that government should represent all citizens, ensuring equality and providing needed services.
His political career was tragically cut short less than a year after he took office in California when he and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated on Nov. 27, 1978.
In 2009, Milk was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
The Harvey Milk Forever stamp was formally dedicated May 22 in a ceremony at the White House.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.