Bayard Rustin: In the shadows, he organized the March on Washington

Dr. King is usually credited for the March on Washington in August 1963 but, behold, it was Rustin who organized and orchestrated it in the shadows. As a gay man, he was considered too much of a liability to be one of the main faces of the movement. Nonetheless, he was considered to be one of the most brilliant minds, and served his community relentlessly while pushing for more jobs and better wages.

Born: March 17, 1912 West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Died: August 24, 1987 (aged 75) New York City, U.S.

Education:

Wilberforce University

Cheyney University

City College of New York

Organization(s):

Fellowship of Reconciliation

Congress of Racial Equality

War Resisters League

Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Social Democrats, USA (National Chairman)

A. Philip Randolph Institute (President)

Committee on the Present Danger

Movement: Civil Rights Movement, Peace Movement, Socialism, Gay Rights Movement,

Partner(s): Davis Platt (1940s)

Walter Naegle (1977–1987; Rustin's death)

Awards: Presidential Medal of Freedom