Image by: Uptown Studios Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization is hosting their third annual, all-ages, Harvey Milk Day celebration, Tuesday, May 22, 2012 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Mulvaney’s Next Door to the B&L, 1215 19th Street, Sacramento.

Harvey Milk was a leader in the gay rights movement who was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. This made him the nation’s first openly gay man elected to public office in a major U.S. city. Milk, along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone was assassinated by ousted Supervisor Dan White, November 27, 1978.

On October 12, 2009, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill (SB 572) establishing “Harvey Milk Day” to take place each May 22nd, Milk’s birthday. The signing came on the heels of President Obama awarding Harvey Milk posthumously, the presidential Medal of Freedom Award, August, 2009.

During a short program, invited special guest, State Senator Mark Leno will receive EAN’s “Spirit of Harvey Milk” award. Senator Leno (D-San Francisco) was the author of Senate Bill 572, which created Harvey Milk Day in California. California is the first state in the nation to honor an LGBT hero with a “Day of Special Significance” for students.

It is because of Senator Leno’s tireless efforts in the legislature writing law that helps to increase counseling services to at-risk youth; make sure the achievements of LGBT people are taught to students; and his continued fight for civil rights for all, that he will be presented with the “Spirit of Harvey Milk” award.

Five more members of the community will also be honored and announced during the celebration.

Local, and nationally-known “spoken word” artist and EAN member, Jovi Radtke will perform an original piece especially written for this event.

The staff of Mulvaney’s will provide a luscious buffet with a cash bar. An after-party is being planned for Badlands, Midtown’s popular dance club for the over 21 crowd.

Tickets are available for $25 per person online through May 19th at www.EqualityActionNOW.org and $30 at the door. For more information contact Event Coordinator, Chris Packey at cjpackey@yahoo.com .