The “Congressional Roll Call” is considered the political bible of Washington, D.C. In a recent article about possible future Democratic congressmen from California our very own City Council President Todd Gloria got some major play and a picture (the only one) stating that he was a “protégé of Rep. Susan Davis” and he was seen as a top contender to seek her seat “when his mentor retires.”
Many have speculated about this for years. (Interesting Davis’ campaign colors are purple and white and so are Gloria’s.) But now some of the talk about Gloria’s future is a possible run for mayor after Filner.
Gloria is getting high marks as Council president and when asked about his future he told me he is totally focused on his present job. He may be, but it seems that political pundits from San Diego to Washington, D.C. think he is the future of politics. Former mayor Jerry Sanders once told a gathering that Gloria was a future U.S. senator or president!
San Diego Human Dignity Foundation
The “Reunion Party” was held at the fabulous home of Tom Hutchings and Bryan Leigh. The catering by California Cuisine was outstanding and everyone seemed to be having a great time. The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation is one of our community’s most important organizations with a solid record of philanthropy for more than 17 years that has benefitted the entire GLBT community and deserves all of our support and appreciation for all they do.
Tom Homann
Recently, the Tom Homann Law Association held an event at the U.S. Grant Hotel. It’s interesting that when I have asked some of its members what they know of their organizations “namesake” many don’t know a thing. So, let me tell you about Tom Homann. He was one of the very few “out lawyers” in the 1970s when I met him.
He was a tall “Paul Bunyan” of a man with a really wild beard and a great sense of humor and smart as a whip. (He even argued a case in front of the Supreme Court and won.) Tom was a radical left-wing attorney who was very “street smart” and, yes, he was my attorney and close friend.
I talked him into also being the attorney for the AIDS Assistance Fund, the Imperial Court and all kind of causes. Tom did not have time for snobs and along with Jess Jessop and I organized San Diego’s first Pride march in 1974, even though the police refused to give us a permit.
Tom Homann was indeed one of our community’s true heroes and trailblazers.
Malcolm X Library
Last week, I attended an event at the Malcolm X Library. (A $500 donation from our community was made for children’s books.) I remember the first time I went to this beautiful library as I was actually a guest of the late Rev. George Stevens.
Now this library in the African American community has held many GLBT educational events and is welcoming of all communities.
It’s good to go to events outside of our community.
Bayard Rustin Honors: July 2
There are very few GLBT African American events in San Diego so I urge your support and attendance at the national premier of the Bayard Rustin Civil Rights Honors to be held here in San Diego Tuesday, July 2 at The Center with the major sponsor being the National Black Justice Coalition in Washington, D.C. (With a special grant from the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation and the International Court Council.)
Among San Diegans being honored are Vertez Burks, Jimmy Lovett, Ashley Walker, Tracie O’Brien, Carl Norman, Christopher Grinston, Stampp Corbin and 1960s freedom rider, our very own Mayor Bob Filner.
For more info: 619-692-1967.
Remember Stonewall June 28
The good people of San Diego Remembers will hold an event commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots Friday, June 28 at the award winning Babycakes, 7 p.m.
This riot started our modern GLBT civil rights movement and all of our nations’ Pride events and parades.
I had the honor of being a national co-chair of Stonewall 25 in New York in 1994.
Nicole Murray Ramirez has been an award-winning columnist since 1973, and a Latino and gay activist for more than 40 years. He is currently a city commissioner and has served the last six mayors of San Diego. He is also a national board member of the Harvey Milk Foundation and chairman of the International Court Council of the USA, Canada and Mexico. Nicolemrsandiego@aol.com
