We’re about to enter an intense period of activism, especially here in Utah as a recalcitrant state legislature gears up for its 45-day session. Needless to say, antediluvian attitudes and ideals will be evident especially in the debate that is sure to arise around the Common Ground Initiative as proposed by Equality Utah.

I’ve been thinking a great deal about “Milk” the impressive film chronicling those six critical years in Harvey Milk’s life and his rapidly rising political star. When I reviewed the film back in November, I paid particular notice and attention to Dustin Lance Black’s work on the screenplay. Then, I wrote: “The film benefits significantly from Black’s research as well as his genuine appreciation of Milk’s historical importance.”

The film encapsulates so appropriately the value and legacy of grassroots organizing. Despite the film’s compact form, the elements of sacrifice and hard-won success shine. Milk’s death was not in vain, as eloquently presented in the film. For a young writer, Black’s sense of history has that right tinge of patience.

Especially noteworthy is Black’s accuracy and how well it was preserved through Van Sant’s direction. In Oasis Journals, Jeff Walsh and several colleagues interviewed those who were directly involved in Milk’s campaigns about the film’s presentation of the story. And, the verdict is a resounding confirmation of the film’s credibility and legitimacy.

Walsh reports that Anne Kronenberg, who managed Milk’s successful election to San Francisco’s board of city supervisors, was apprehensive about the prospects of a film because so many earlier script treatments were “horrible.” She recalls: ‘But after meeting with Gus Van Sant and Lance Black, and being able to read the script, my comfort level was great. Danny and I just saw the movie yesterday, and it is right on.’

Cleve Jones, also a prominent member of Milk’s campaign staff, was equally impressed. “I think it’s also remarkable and wonderful that the political storyline remained intact. For Hollywood — and none of us come from the entertainment world, this is totally a new experience for all of us — but for Hollywood films it’s usually all about the personal relationships. And that’s in the film, of course, but the political struggle is there. The campaign against Proposition 6, the campaign for the gay rights ordinance, Harvey’s own campaigns, his efforts to build coalitions with minority communities… even the desegregation of the police department is in there, so I’m really pleased the political content was not abandoned.”

That sense of history will serve well as this legislative session begins. As I noted most recently on this blog, Equality Utah has it right. And, there are several ways to build this momentum. For example, Plan-B Theatre Company, SB Dance, Salt Lake Acting Company (SLAC) and Ririe Woodbury Dance Company will perform Saturday, Jan. 17, in the Black Box Theatre at the Rose Wagner Center for the Performing Arts, beginning at 8 p.m. The purpose is to celebrate the common ground as detailed here.

And, it’s worthwhile to take another look at an excellent film. “Milk” is a wonderful source of inspiration. Two months after the election, groups such as Equality Utah are reading the signals correctly. As “Milk” demonstrated so precisely, those who resist or fight the move toward a common ground are desperately aware that the sense of history is really against them. For example, Black deftly situated these opponents in their own words, taking great care not to promulgate any buffoonish portrayals or parodies.

The vision of a common ground has never been compromised. Regardless of the outcome when the legislature adjourns after its 45-day session, the vision will shine undiluted. These are the lessons of “Milk.”