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:
Organization(s):
Social Democrats, USA (National Chairman)
A. Philip Randolph Institute (President)
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
Comments