California Hall of Fame 2009 inductee Harvey Milk

Gay rights advocate Harvey Milk to be inducted to The California Museum’s California Hall of Fame. The names of the 2009 inductees were announced today by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver.

"The California Hall of Fame celebrates our most influential women and men, and honors them for their drive, willingness to take risks, dedication and success in touching the lives of millions of people - not just in this state, but around the world," said Governor Schwarzenegger.

"Now more than ever, I see how the perseverance and passion of one person can have a lasting impact in the lives of people, not only in their community but across the world," said First Lady Maria Shriver. "When talent and a relentless drive are matched, the efforts of a single individual can create a legacy of change, hope and empowerment. Every individual inducted into the California Hall of Fame symbolize the biggest hearts, the greatest drive and the deepest inspiration. It’s an honor to induct these extraordinary individuals who have each made their own unique mark in history."

The California Hall of Fame was created by First Lady Maria Shriver, along with the The California Museum in 2006 to recognize legendary Californians who have influenced the state, the nation and the world.

"Today’s announcement by First Lady Maria Shriver recognizes the important leadership role Harvey Milk played in our state and nation and further illustrates the historic and international nature of his legacy," said Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco). "I appreciate the First Lady’s support and admiration for Harvey’s work to further equal civil rights for all people. He gave his life for what he believed in, and in doing so gave hope to generations of LGBT Californians who continue to struggle for full equality. This honor, as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to Harvey by President Obama, should only underscore to the Governor the need for Harvey Milk Day in California, and I hope he will return our bill, SB 572, with his signature when it reaches his desk in the next few weeks."

The 2009 California Hall of Fame inductees are: entertainer Carol Burnett, former Intel CEO Andrew Grove, governor and U.S. senator Hiram Johnson, decathlete and philanthropist Rafer Johnson, industrialist Henry J. Kaiser, philanthropist and peace activist Joan Kroc, film-maker George Lucas, football commentator John Madden, gay rights advocate Harvey Milk, artist Fritz Scholder, author Danielle Steel, fitness and bodybuilding pioneer Joe Weider, and Air Force test pilot General Chuck Yeager.

For more information on The California Hall Of Fame visit: http://www.californiamuseum.org/