Photo: GLBT Historical Society
I just saw the movie Milk last night, and I gotta say, I thought it was great. I realize I’m late as hell, but I think this movie, and even more the man who inspired it, deserves more love in the non-’mo community. If you haven’t seen it, it tells the story of Harvey Milk, a community activist and the first openly gay man elected to public office in America. In the tradition of courageous, ground-breaking politicians before him, Milk was assassinated. Just before, he made a recording to serve as his final words. This recording is re-enacted in the movie and provides its main narrative device. But good as Sean Penn was, I think it’s important to remember the man himself, in his own words. So here is the original recording…
Harvey Milk - Last Testament
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COMMENTS / 6 COMMENTS
kat said on Apr 24 09 at 19:07great clip thank you so much
Reed B said on May 22 10 at 10:51Thank you! I searched all over YouTube for Harvey Milk’s final recording, but found only one-minute bits and bobs. It was wonderful finding the full recording here, which will be shared with my local PFLAG group tonight, May 22, 2010 - the very first “Harvey Milk Day” here in California.
Thanks again for helping to spread the word. Harvey’s voice and words still ring true: “You’ve got to give them hope.”
I think you’ve done so through this blog.
Elf said on Aug 31 10 at 15:00Thank you for posting this! Like the above poster, I have been looking for this for a long time.
Sebas said on Mar 31 11 at 08:59I hope that could understand what he is saying…but still sounds sad
Matthew Phelps said on Nov 27 11 at 16:38Thabks for posting this. I sent it out again today. The recording is such an important symbol of strength and courage. The man expected he might be assassinated to tr point he felt it prudent to record these thoughts, yet he did not cower in the face of adversity. Inspirational.
Dawn Thomas said on Dec 19 11 at 22:28I first saw the movie about 1.5 months ago. I had heard of the movie but as I am not a big fan of Sean Penn I opted not to watch it. Being a ‘mo as u so eloquently put it, it’s almost a sin not to watch or at least know of every move made when it comes to gay rights. My GF pointed out that fact n pretty much forced me to watch it. Yes I’ll admit at first I was put off by watching Sean Penn make out with another man. But not because I don’t think gay men getting it on is gross that wud be hypocritical but c’mon it’s Sean Penn. But once I got past that, I found this movie to be very meaningful despite the sadness n tears that fell when I saw what happened to him. I have a new found respect for Harvey Milk for making it a little easier for me to be an open out n proud lesbian in America. I for one will not mourn his death but celebrate his life every year on may 22. Thank you for posting this recording. It was wonderful to hear his words in HIS voice.
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