Young readers will be able to learn the empowering true story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag with a picture book written by award-winning author, Rob Sanders.
As we all know, Milk became the first openly gay elected official in America back in 1977, and was then shot and killed by ex-Supervisor Dan White in City Hall.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, recounts inspiring events from the life of the activist, as well as his collaboration with Gilbert Baker, the creator of the LGBTQ community’s most iconic symbol.
Sanders told NBC News that the book was inspired by the Supreme Court’s 2015 landmark decision to legalise same-sex marriage.
“It seemed like the entire world was suddenly a rainbow Niagara Falls had rainbow lights shining on it, the White House had rainbow lights shining on it, and it dawned on me that this was a story that kids needed to know,” he said.
“They didn’t know the origin of the pride flag or its importance to our community, and I wanted to tell that story.”
The book – illustrated by acclaimed artist Steven Salerno – begins: “Harvey Milk was an ordinary man, but he had an extraordinary dream. That dream would change history.”
Earlier this month, San Francisco International Airport officially announced plans to rename their Terminal 1 in honour of Milk.
Former City Supervisor David Campos introduced the idea of renaming the whole airport after Milk back in 2013, but the proposal was met with opposition.
A committee then recommended that the airport’s Terminal 1 be named after the activist, and a proposal was put forward, which has now been accepted.
“It’s done! Five years after Supervisor David Campos began the renaming campaign, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors gave final approval to rename San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal One after Uncle Harvey,” Stuart Milk – Harvey Milk’s nephew – posted on Facebook.
“The 2 billion dollar terminal renovation, by action of Supervisor Hillary Ronen, will include educational and artist elements on Harvey! Hope sent across the world!”
Terminal 1 welcomes more than 32,000 travellers each day, so the dedication to Milk will be seen by millions in just a few years.
Back in 2016, the US Naval Institute reported that a ship will be named after the famous gay rights activist and politician.
The ship itself is scheduled to be built later this year, and will be named USNS Harvey Milk.
Harvey served as a diving officer during the Korean War, from 1951 to 1955 before being honourably discharged with the rank of lieutenant junior grade.
Related: Harvey Milk’s nephew reveals how his uncle helped him come to terms with his sexuality
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