Modern Era · North America · Politics

1978

Harvey Milk assassinated

November 27, 1978

In San Francisco's City Hall, former supervisor Dan White shot Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, California's first openly gay elected official. Milk had been an organizer, a camera shop owner, and a symbol. His murder made him a martyr to the gay rights movement. Candlelight vigils filled the streets that night.

More from 1978 Modern Era

In context

Also in 1978 (7 other events on record)

Deng launches Chinese reform · East Asia · Politics
First test-tube baby born · Europe · Science
Camp David Accords · Middle East · Politics
John Paul II becomes pope · Europe · Religion
Vietnamese boat people flee · Southeast Asia · Politics
Jonestown mass suicide · South America · Politics

Before and after in North America

Before: 1977: Apple II and Star Wars
After: March 28, 1979: Three Mile Island

Before and after in Politics

Before: September 12, 1977: Steve Biko killed in custody
After: February 1, 1979: Khomeini returns to Iran

Era

Modern Era (1901–2000), one of 590 events from that era on Saeculum.

Sources

Wikipedia: Harvey Milk