The Newark Main Post Office lobby was the setting for the Northern New Jersey District’s recent celebration for the issuance of the new Harvey Milk Forever Stamp. In addition to the featured speakers, the ceremony included the unveiling of an enlargement of the new stamp.
Ceremony speakers included: Northern NJ District Manager Steven Hernandez, Newark Postmaster Michael Deignan, Northern NJ District Learning Development & Diversity Manager Rita Ridley, and Rutgers University LGBTQ Director Maren Greathouse. David Lippman from the Mayor of Newark’s press office also set up a philatelic display table.
(L-R) Rutgers LGBTQ Director Maren Greathouse, Newark Postmaster Michael Deignan, and NNJ District Manger Steven Hernandez celebrate the issuance of the new Harvey Milk Forever Stamp
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.
Following the White House first day of issue ceremony, the Harvey Mail Forever Stamp went on sale nationwide on May 22. The stamp image is based on a circa 1977 black and white photograph of Milk in front of his Castro Street Camera store in San Francisco. To view the stamp image log onto: http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2014/pr14_033.htm.