Consider This from NPR BONUS: The Man Behind the March on Washington
Feb 28, 2021
Bayard Rustin, a key organizer of the March on Washington and expert in nonviolent resistance, shares his journey alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., shedding light on their partnership in advocating for civil rights. Walter Nagel, Bayard's partner, provides personal anecdotes and archival insights. They discuss the challenges of leading such a monumental event while managing Rustin's identity as a gay man, revealing the complexities of organizing for change in a divided society. This engaging conversation highlights the unsung heroism that shaped America's civil rights movement.
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Rustin's Singing
- Bayard Rustin, a skilled orator and singer, used music to connect with audiences.
- A woman once remembered his song "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" more than his speech.
A March for Jobs and Freedom
- The civil rights movement gained momentum in the early 1960s, inspiring A. Philip Randolph to propose another march.
- Randolph, a key figure in the movement, aimed to address economic inequality and racial injustice.
Hill Meets Rustin
- Norman Hill, inspired by Bayard Rustin's speech, asked how he could contribute to the cause.
- This marked the beginning of Hill's activism career and his collaboration with Rustin.