Bayard Rustin, Gay Leader, 1963 March on Washington, Pres. Medal of Freedom

[Cheshire Cat]

The man who organized the 1963 march on Washington will be receiving the "President's Medal of Freedom", posthumously.  This is an honor long overdue and it provides an opportunity to share another fact about this man.  This fellow who organized this historic march that literally changed history happened to be "gay".  Considering the times in which he was living it makes what he accomplished all the more challenging.  Well done Bayard.  I hope many eyes are opened by the reality of what you did and how truly brave you were.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2013/08/15/212338844/bayard-rustin-the-man-who-organized-the-march-on-washington (click link to read full article or hear it)

The trailblazing strategist behind the 1963 March on Washington will this year be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. That's a long way from the days when civil rights activists counted on Bayard Rustin's hard work, but tried to push him aside because he was gay.

For 60 years, Rustin fought for peace and equal rights — demonstrating, organizing and protesting in the United States and around the world.

[rbirds]

Slight typo with the first name: Bayard rather than Bernard. A remarkable man who preferred to remain in the background, testament to his Quaker upbringing where he learned that one promotes the common good rather than promoting one's self.

[Cheshire Cat]

Slight typo with the first name: Bayard rather than Bernard. A remarkable man who preferred to remain in the background, testament to his Quaker upbringing where he learned that one promotes the common good rather than promoting one's self.

Bayard was certainly a remarkable man.  Corrected the spelling of his name.  Thanks for catching that!