Essay on Bayard Rustin
Bayard Rustin played an important role in the establishment of American Civil Rights traditions. Bayard Rustin was an outstanding leader in American social movements for civil rights and gay rights. He was focused on practicing non-violence, promoting the ideas of Martin Luther King. According to researchers, “Rustin helped to lead the Fellowship of Reconciliation and was an advisor to King and also the person who taught King the techniques of Gandhian nonviolent direct action” (West 146). In fact, Bayard Rustin anticipated and participated in what Martin King ultimately accomplished. He was a mentor to Martin Luther King. As Rustin was a gay man, his activity was aimed at social justice struggle and protection of gay rights. He served several years in prison, travelled a lot and studied Indian philosophy. Rustin protested against racial segregation.
I think Rustin should be seen in the traditions that carry forward under what might be termed “the Age of King” (1955 – 1968). Rustin’s organizational talent helped King in his political activity. In the documentary Brother Outsider (2003), Rustin’s work was demonstrated to the public from different perspectives. Actually, he experienced discrimination in American society because of his sexual orientation. As a result, his political activity was not recognized by the public. Rustin encouraged black people and minorities to keep moving ahead, protecting fundamental American values to struggle against discrimination. Rustin highlighted the impact of the so-called mental conflict that existed in minds of white people. The documentary Brother Outsider helped the public to assess the crucial role of Rustin in the political struggle of the 20-th century. Rustin’s charismatic personality contributed to the growth of civil rights movement, although his protests were not always successful.
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