The Portland City Council has approved an ordinance to rename 13 blocks of Southwest Stark Street to honor Harvey Milk.
Milk was a gay rights leader in San Francisco and was a city councilor 40 years ago when he was assassinated.
The 13 block section of Southwest Stark Street has a history of restaurants and clubs that catered to Portland’s gay community.
Milk’s nephew Stuart Milk told council members that his uncle “dreamed of this day and you are fulfilling that dream."
Former Governor Barbara Roberts said Milk’s election as a gay man opened minds and opened hearts. She said, “This is the right choice and the perfect time and the perfect place for this recognition.”
Darcelle XV, who operates a female impersonators club in Portland, noted the changes made in Oregon to advance rights of the LGBTQ community and said it’s the right time to honor Milk.
The council passed an amendment making the ordinance an emergency which allows it to take effect in time for Portland’s Pride Festival this weekend.