Harvey Milk Blvd. has a new mural to honor its namesake

A symbol of one of the first nationally recognized gay activists, Harvey Milk, was honored on Harvey Milk Boulevard, 900 South, in Salt Lake City. About 60 people attended a ribbon cutting of the mural gracing the wall at 265 E. Harvey Milk Blvd., home to three local businesses: Enso Piercing, Liberty Wells Barber Co., and A La Mode clothing boutique.Alongside the portrait of a smiling Milk was a quote from a speech he gave in 1977: “All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.”

Milk was among the first openly gay candidates in the nation to be elected to public office when he won his seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. He was sworn in Jan. 9, 1978. He foresaw his own death when he wrote, “If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door.” Milk was assassinated after only 322 days in office on November 27, 1978 along with Mayor George Moscone by fellow City Supervisor Dan White.

He is now memorialized in downtown Salt Lake City alongside other civil rights luminaries like Martin Luther King Jr. (600 S.), Rosa Parks (200 E.) and Cesar Chavez (500 S.).

Muralist Josh Scheuerman said, “Art has the power to start a conversation and to share a message with only a visual representation. I have seen murals unite communities and help propel a dialogue about social issues and causes. As an artist, I believe I have a powerful role in helping to shape the world I want to live in, which is both brave and kind for future generations.”

He reflected on his college roommate who was from rural Utah and who came out 20 years later (after college), who was then “depressed and withdrawn for a very long time, but is now happy today.” He said it was an honor and thanked building owner J. R. Holbrook for the opportunity.