Newspaper Page Text
Page 4
VIEWPOINTS
Guest Editorial
The New Activism: Heed the Call
Twenty years ago, presidential candidate
Robert F. Kennedy garnered the nation's
attention by asserting that "one person can
make a difference." Urging every American
to take part in the political process, Kennedy
insisted that one person's effort, one person's
vote, one person's presence could determine
the outcome of monumental issues facing
America.
Today, more than ever before, we must
heed Kennedy’s call for individual
participation. Our country can move forward
- particularly in the area of human rights -
only when individuals accept personal
responsibility for bringing about necessary
changes. And, that responsibility translates
into activism.
Throughout the nation's gay and lesbian
community, a call for New Activism is now
being sounded as a result of the National
March on Washington in October 1987, where
650,000 lesbians and gays demonstrated a strength that was astounding even to participants. It
was a case where individuals made a difference because those individuals produced a crowd
whose size and commitment depicted a well-organized and united gay and lesbian community.
For the first time, millions of Americans acknowledged that the gay and lesbian community
was a force capable of commanding attention and respect.
Now you must become a member of the New Activism movement By participating in
Atlanta's first Lesbian and Gay Pride March following the historical march in Washington, you
can ensure that the political clout of the gay community is recognized by metro Atlanta citizens
and public officials. Only through your personal involvement can you hope to protect the
human rights of America's lesbians and gays.
-Michael Lomax
Michael Lomax is the chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of Fulton County.
Editor’s Note: Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, Fulton County Commission
Chair Michael Lomax and Dekalb County Chief Executive Officer Manuel
Maloof were invited to write Guest Editorials for the Lesbian and Gay Pride
Week issue of Southern Voice. Mr. Young and Mr. Maloof s offices blamed
beauracratic mishaps for their non-participation. Perhaps Mr. Lomax would
be willing to teach both of them the proper way to run an office.
SOUTHERN
VOCE
Managing Editor
Christina Cash
Assistant Managing Editor
Chris Duncan
Advertising/Classifieds
Joe Vindich
STAFF
Karen Barrie, Sharon Blalock, Mark duPont, Terry Francis, F.G. Andrea Getty, Dave
Hayward, John Kappers, Rhonda Mensen,,
David Strawn, David Tucker, Leigh VanderEls
General Policy
Southern Voice is published by SAME (Southeastern Arts, Media and Education Project,
Inc.) which is a non-profit corporation with offices at 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307.
All material in Southern Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be
reproduced without the written consent of the Managing Editor.
The views of Southern Voice are expressed only in the editorial columns or in the editor's
notes. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the
opinion of Southern Voice or the publisher.
The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, cartoonists, and writers published
herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representations
does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons.
Advertising is subject to the approval of Southern Voice and the publisher. Although
Southern Voice appreciates its advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made.
Services and products are not tested and appearance of advertising does not imply, nor does it
constitute, endorsement by Southern Voice. Advertising rates and conditions are available
upon request.
Southern Voice welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves
the right to edit or reject any material submitted. All rights revert to authors upon publication.
Unsolicited manuscripts not accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope cannot be
returned. Address all correspondence to: Southern Voice, P.O. Box 54719, Atlanta, GA
30308.
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
V Y r/f //! S//({>/1
4Z
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
THEREFORE,
ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL
the last week, in June Is traditionally the time when gay and
lesbian communities across the country celebrate their heritage
and diversity; and
the last week in June is also the anniversary week of the
Stonewall conflict, the conflict that began the modem movement
toward affirming and recognizing the rights and contributions of
lesbian and gay persons in this country; and
the Metropolitan Atlanta Council of Lesbian and Gay Organizations
is sponsoring a week-long series of events, including a Family
Night Dinner at the Country Place, a series of plays and revues
at the Horizon Theater, a Prom Nite at the Inman Trolley Barn,
recreational tournaments, an Interfaith Sunrise Service at
Trinity United Methodist Church, and other events; and
the Atlanta Lesblan/Gay Pride Committee is sponsoring a march and
rally on June 26th, 1988, to be followed by an afternoon of live
music and festivities in Piedmont Park; and
"Gay Pride" is the traditional designation for such events in
cities across the country.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Atlanta that Sunday,
June 19, 1988 through Sunday, June 26, 1988 be designated "GAY
PRIDE WEEK" in the City of Atlanta, and that Sunday, June 26,1988
be designated "GAY PRIDE DAY" in the City of Atlanta.
This resolution, introduced by Mary Davis, and co-sponsored by
Councilmembers Valentine, Maddox, Banks, Pitts, McCarty, Asher, Myrtle Davis,
Campbell, Simama, and Finley, was adopted by City Council June 6, 1988. Mayor
Andrew Young returned this resolution June 13, 1988 without signature. It
became law per Section 20*3, 1974 Charter of the City of Atlanta.
Atlanta City Council President Marvin Arrington requested that his name be removed from
this proclamation, saying that he did not feel that it provided a good example for his sons.
/
CITY OF ATLANTA
^ ^ //ay
From June 18-26, 1988, the Atlanta Lesbian
and Gay Pride Committee will sponsor the 1988 Gay
Pride week.
This year's celebration will include a variety
OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL UNDER THE
THEME "CELEBRATION OF LIFE." GAY PRIDE WEEK PROMISES
TO BUILD ON THE SUCCESS OF PAST EVENTS TO FOCUS
ATTENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND INDIVIDUAL FREEDOMS.
WE COMMEND ALL WHO HELPED TO COORDINATE THIS
CELEBRATION AND EXTEND BEST WISHES FOR A FESTIVE WEEK.
Therefore, on behalf of the people of Atlanta,
I TAKE GREAT PLEASURE IN EXPRESSING MY CONGRATULATIONS
to the Atlanta lesbian and Gay Pride Committee for
THEIR NUMEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPIRIT AND VITALITY
of our City.
To THAT END, I, ANDREW YOUNG, MAYOR OF THE CITY
of Atlanta, proclaim the week of June 18-26, 1988,
AS
'LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS WEEK"