Harvey Milk Mural Dedication on Tuesday, July 2, 10am

Salt Lake City — To cap off PRIDE month and the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, local muralist Josh Scheuerman will unveil his new permanent work, honoring Civil and LGBTQ rights leader, Harvey Milk on 265 East 9th South (Harvey Milk Blvd).

Building owner J.R. Holbrook stated, “We feel that there needs to be a special place on Harvey Milk Blvd where locals and tourists can stop by, gather strength, pay their respects and take a photo.”

Artist 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.” He continued, “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.

Equality Utah’s executive director Troy Williams praised the display, “Our intent in renaming 900 South after Harvey was to inspire the rising generation. In a state where suicide is the leading cause of death for young people, this beautiful work of art will send Harvey’s message of hope to LGBTQ youth throughout the city.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony will commence at 10am on Tuesday 2nd of July. A short program with Holbrook, Sheurerman, Equality Utah, the Utah Pride Center and the Salt Lake City Mayor’s office will follow.

Harvey 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. Harvey foresaw his own death when he said, “If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door.” Harvey was assassinated on November 27th, 1978. He is memorialized on 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.).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
‍Troy Williams
Executive Director
Equality Utah
troy@equalityutah.org