The song GIVE ‘EM HOPE was written by Pamela Stewart and Joseph Martin and is based on one of Harvey Milk’s famous quote: “You gotta give ‘em hope.” Harvey Milk was the state’s first openly gay elected official. He was a brave pioneer and inspired leader who’s life was cut short when he was assassinated in 1979 in San Francisco at City Hall. The violent hate crime that lead to his death further ignited the gay civil rights movement.
In support of the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful Education Act (FAIR) passed into law on July 14 last year, the Chorus is making copies of “Give ‘em Hope” available to music teachers across the State of California and the first scores will be presented to High School Teachers on the Steps of the State Capitol following the premiere. State Senator Mark Leno and Assemblymember Tom Ammiano will take part in the presentation and speak at the event.
“I am pleased that the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has chosen to honor the legacy of Harvey Milk in this unique way,” said Senator Mark Leno, who authored California’s legislation creating Harvey Milk Day. “Music teachers could easily incorporate this new choral work into the classroom to help ensure that our young people learn about this national hero and his work on behalf of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.”
The Chorus will also perform a concert benefitting the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center at 8:00pm on May 22nd at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2626 Capitol Avenue in Sacramento. The program will feature music from Godspell, Wicked, Hairspray and more. The Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus will also make an appearance in the concert. Tickets can be purchased online at http://saccenter.org/sfmenschorus or in person at the Cathedral’s bookstore.
“What better way to celebrate the life and work of Harvey Milk than to host the Gay Men’s Chorus from Milk’s city and help them debut their tribute to him. “Give ‘em Hope” is a testament to the long struggle of the LGBT community and their sure to come acceptance and equal rights deserved by every American,” said Shara Perkins-Murphy, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.
No comments:
Post a Comment