Bayard Rustin Planned the March On Washington And Is Only Now Getting The Credit He Deserves

[FarCenter]

When segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond took the floor weeks before the March on Washington, he attempted to denounce the civil rights movement in its entirety by exposing one man's personal life.

In his speech that day, Thurmond called Bayard Rustin, head organizer for the march, a "communist, draft-dodger, and homosexual." Thurmond even entered into the record a picture of Rustin speaking to Martin Luther King Jr. while he sat in the bathtub.

Thurmond's hateful words came too late. The march continued, with Rustin at the helm. But history hasn't always recognized the momentum he added to black politics in the 50s and 60s. As an openly gay man in a fiercely homophobic era, Rustin faced persecution and judgement, forcing him behind the scenes.

Only now, 50 years after his greatest accomplishment, will the country realize Rustin's heroism. During the march's commemorative services on Wednesday, Rustin will receive the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.


Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/50th-anniversary-march-on-washington-bayard-rustin-2013-8

[Bluenorthwest]

1. Great documentary on Rustin 'Brother Outsider' on Netfilx and PBS and details at the link

http://rustin.org/

[Arkansas Granny]

4. I watched that a few nights ago. I remembered the name, but I didn't realize that he had been

so instrumental in planning the march. Some of that is due to my memory, but much of it is because he was not given the recognition he deserved.

[Scuba]

2. Thanks. More here ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023541357

[JustAnotherGen]

3. I find it shameful

That he was as pushed aside as he was- though I understand why he made the sacrifice of not being recognized for the good of us.