If you haven’t seen it yet, take a look at Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin.

Although arguably passive due to his integration politics and stance on non-violence, few activists in his time (or now) have the same organizing capabilities.

Rustin was the force behind the March on Washington and an ardent activist powering the civil rights movement. His life and contributions have been mostly overlooked until recently.

Why has he been overlooked? Because, Rustin lived life as an openly gay man. His sexuality and openness about his sexuality kept him in a behind-the-scenes role despite his great organizing abilities. Some activists even went as far as to cut ties with him outright and push for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to do the same.

Post written by Kristin Richardson Jordan, Founder of Pens Up Press