Bayard Rustin- civil rights activist, master strategist, counselor to Martin Luther King on techniques of non-violence, main organizer for King's march on Washington. With such a resume, it is surprising that few Americans have probably heard of Rustin. Bayard Rustin was also an openly gay man and this is wherein the problem lies. A few active in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's fought to have Rustin removed as King's advisor, Senator Adam Clayton Powell went as far as to blackmail King with outting him and Rustin as lovers if he didn't remove Rustin. Even though there was no proof to this allegation, King acquiesced, accepting Rustin's letter of resignation.
Rustin was later asked back into the fold and became the chief organizer and strategist for the now famous March On Washington. So Happy 98th Birthday Bayard Rustin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi4AWjt9Bv0&feature=related
Books and Videos on Bayard Rustin:
Lost prophet : the life and times of Bayard Rustin
Bayard Rustin : troubles I've seen : a biography
Bayard Rustin : American dreamer
Bayard Rustin : behind the scenes of the civil rights movement
Brother outsider [videorecording] : the life of Bayard Rustin
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