The American Civil Rights Movement is characterized through several select personalities. These figures exhibited strong character throughout their careers in activism that revolutionized the ideals and opportunities of the 20th century, standing as precedents for courage and perseverance in the face of widespread systemic oppression. However, not all of these figures received the acknowledgment and acceptance that their legacy deserved. One such figure was Bayard Rustin, a lifelong Civil Rights activist in the African American and LGBTQ communities who exemplified the righteous fury and devotion of American minorities. His career was defined by the perpetual conflict and confrontation made evident by the attempts of both sides of the Civil
…show more content…
His political stances, particularly in regards to social reform and nonviolent civil disobedience, were revolutionary during the time he lived. Rustin stated, " 'We are in a society where young people- particularly young Negroes- are being systematically taught that unless they resort to violence there is no future for them... We 've got to give them nonviolent alternatives)...’” (“Rustin, Bayard” 361). This demonstrates his awareness of both the inherent flaws in American society, in terms of race and its connotations, and a solution to the ineffective nature of previous tactics employed in an attempt to rectify them. This awareness was highly uncommon and considered radical, thus inciting a reaction of disapproval. In fact, most of his views inspired negative retaliation. A vital instance of this was Rustin’s support of the two dollar minimum wage, a revolutionary concept at the time (362). Furthermore, in a magazine article, Rustin stated, " 'I fail to see... how the movement can be victorious in the absence of radical programs for full employment, abolition of slums, the reconstruction of our educational system, new definitions of work and leisure’” (361-362). This reinforces his controversial platform, one in which those in power must provide for those who are not, rather than …show more content…
In the midst of the 1964 Harlem Riots, Rustin walked along 125th street, risking his own safety and dignity to protect others from gunfire (“Rustin, Bayard” 361). Moreover, Rustin refused to abandon his beliefs after being demonized by both sides of the Civil Rights Movement. He allowed his reputation to fade into the background, joining forces with Martin Luther King Jr. and working as a "ghostwriter, confidant, and tireless promoter” (“Bayard Rustin 1” 3) This resolute mindset in the face of opposition became evident once more when Rustin, furious over President Lyndon B. Johnson’s decision to shift the nation’s focus and funding away from the war on poverty, “stunned Senators” with his “angry accusations.” Rustin openly declared the White House retreat “‘a fantastic distortion of priorities’” and “‘not only stupid and dangerous but criminal (“Rustin, Bayard” 362).
His political stances, particularly in regards to social reform and nonviolent civil disobedience, were revolutionary during the time he lived. Rustin stated, " 'We are in a society where young people- particularly young Negroes- are being systematically taught that unless they resort to violence there is no future for them... We 've got to give them nonviolent alternatives)...’” (“Rustin, Bayard” 361). This demonstrates his awareness of both the inherent flaws in American society, in terms of race and its connotations, and a solution to the ineffective nature of previous tactics employed in an attempt to rectify them. This awareness was highly uncommon and considered radical, thus inciting a reaction of disapproval. In fact, most of his views inspired negative retaliation. A vital instance of this was Rustin’s support of the two dollar minimum wage, a revolutionary concept at the time (362). Furthermore, in a magazine article, Rustin stated, " 'I fail to see... how the movement can be victorious in the absence of radical programs for full employment, abolition of slums, the reconstruction of our educational system, new definitions of work and leisure’” (361-362). This reinforces his controversial platform, one in which those in power must provide for those who are not, rather than …show more content…
In the midst of the 1964 Harlem Riots, Rustin walked along 125th street, risking his own safety and dignity to protect others from gunfire (“Rustin, Bayard” 361). Moreover, Rustin refused to abandon his beliefs after being demonized by both sides of the Civil Rights Movement. He allowed his reputation to fade into the background, joining forces with Martin Luther King Jr. and working as a "ghostwriter, confidant, and tireless promoter” (“Bayard Rustin 1” 3) This resolute mindset in the face of opposition became evident once more when Rustin, furious over President Lyndon B. Johnson’s decision to shift the nation’s focus and funding away from the war on poverty, “stunned Senators” with his “angry accusations.” Rustin openly declared the White House retreat “‘a fantastic distortion of priorities’” and “‘not only stupid and dangerous but criminal (“Rustin, Bayard” 362).