In the annals of history, heroes often fade into obscurity for various reasons, but the story of Bayard Rustin, the civil rights luminary who orchestrated the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, has remained largely untold. Referred to as “Mr. March on Washington” by labor icon A. Philip Randolph, Rustin was an openly gay activist who provided counsel to some of the nation’s most influential advocates of nonviolence and mass protest. This year, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the march, Rustin’s work has finally captured the imagination of the American public.
Walter Naegle, Rustin’s former partner and a contributor to a new essay collection on his legacy, remarked on this revival of interest: “At the time of his passing, he had somewhat receded from the limelight, known mainly within the movements he championed. However, a magical resurgence has occurred this year.” This resurgence includes the release of a new book, “Bayard Rustin: A Legacy of Protest and Politics,” edited by Michael G. Long, and a highly anticipated Netflix biopic titled “Rustin,” starring Coleman Domingo and set to debut in November.
The essay collection comprises 19 thought-provoking pieces delving into the highs and lows of Rustin’s life and career, exploring his profound impact on American society throughout the past century. While Rustin is celebrated for his role in organizing the March on Washington, the collection also sheds light on his advocacy for various causes, ranging from gay rights and anti-war efforts to support for political refugees and economic equality. Michael G. Long, the editor of the collection, emphasized the importance of looking at Rustin’s multifaceted legacy, which spans major social movements of the 20th century.
Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and raised by his Quaker grandparents, Rustin embarked on his activism journey in the early 1940s. His dedication to racial justice and anti-war campaigns faced interruptions when he served as a conscientious objector from 1944 to 1946. Despite facing detractors within the civil rights movement and being targeted due to his sexuality and early involvement in the Young Communist League, Rustin persisted in advocating for equality and justice.
Beyond his central role in the March on Washington and mentoring Martin Luther King Jr. in nonviolence, Rustin’s influence extended to issues like anti-war efforts, nuclear disarmament, refugee rights, and economic inequality. These issues, still prevalent today, underscore the ongoing relevance of Rustin’s work.
While the essay collection celebrates Rustin’s visionary approach and impact on protest culture, it also critically examines his policy decisions and career progression. For instance, Rustin’s shift from protest to politics following the March on Washington and his reluctance to speak out against the Vietnam War are subjects of debate within the collection.
This comprehensive approach aims to provide a holistic view of Rustin’s life and values. Naegle, whose essay focuses on “The Legacy of Grandmother Julia Rustin,” emphasized the importance of transparency and truth, echoing Rustin’s Quaker upbringing. The collection seeks to present Rustin as a multifaceted individual rather than an idealized hero, allowing readers to appreciate both his strengths and weaknesses.
Despite Rustin’s blind spots and controversies, his legacy has garnered renewed enthusiasm in a time when movements for racial, social, and economic justice have reignited, and LGBTQ rights continue to face challenges. The LGBTQ community, in particular, has rallied around Rustin, recognizing him as a symbol of resilience against homophobia and as a key figure in the fight for civil rights.
As Long aptly stated, “Here’s somebody who faced violent homophobia, homophobia that kept him in the shadows for many years. Here’s a man who overcame that to assume the podium at the March on Washington, during the largest nonviolent campaign in U.S. history up to that point—a man who strode out of the shadows of Lincoln and made demands of the U.S. government and society.” Rustin’s story is a testament to the enduring power of activism, diversity, and the pursuit of justice.