(Photo Credits: Screengrab from Netflix’s Official YouTube Account)
“Thirty years ago, Gandhi walked to the sea, picked up a handful of salt, and inspired a movement that brought down an empire. The time has come for us to do the same. We are going to put together the largest peaceful protest in the history of this nation.” – Bayard Rustin
Bayard Rustin, a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement, is often overlooked in the broader narrative of the struggle for equality. Yet, his contributions to the fight for justice, equality, and civil rights were profound and enduring. Rustin was a man who fought for civil rights and battled racism and homophobia, not to mention he was a close advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr. Bayard Rustin was a visionary activist, organizer, and advocate whose tireless efforts left an indelible mark on American history.
And this is what makes the film Rustin (2023) all the more important, it takes us back to a different time and help make us appreciate life today as we know it.
Directed by George C. Wolfe, Rustin was written by Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black and stars Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin.
The film Rustin zeroes in on the crucial months prior to the iconic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. With an astounding turnout of approximately 250,000 participants, this event applied tremendous pressure that helped pave the way for the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act. Rustin’s leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in planning and coordinating what became one of the largest political demonstrations in American history at that time. The march highlighted the urgent demands for racial equality and economic justice that resonated widely across the nation.
Anyway, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of civil rights and US labor law legislation that outlawed major forms of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The official blurb of the film reads:
Architect of 1963’s momentous March on Washington, Rustin challenged authority and never apologized for who he was, but was forgotten despite making history. Rustin spotlights the man who, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., dared to imagine a different world and inspired a movement.
The film also stars Chris Rock (who played the role of Roy Wilkins), Glynn Turman (A. Philip Randolph), Aml Ameen (Martin Luther King, Jr.), Gus Halper (Tom), Johnny Ramey as Elias Taylor, and Audra McDonald as Ella Baker to name a few.
Rustin is now showing in select theaters and you can start streaming it on Netflix on November 17, 2023.
Happy viewing!
More Propaganda?
Isn’t “Black History Month” in February?
Remember…
the Million-Man March upon Washington, D.C.?
What was accomplished?
A momentary show of solidarity?
After-the March & Gathering…
all –
quietly left-the-stage
and
returned to their humble abodes!
No, that’s not what happened after the Million Man March. Some of the “small” things that came out of the march nearly thirty years ago were increased voter registration amongst marginalized communities and increased health awareness, particularly about prostate cancer, which is a leading killer amongst black men. The march also raised proactive community services to support youth activities. If it wasn’t for the 1963 March, we wouldn’t have had the Million Man March and all the positives from both. Bayard should be remembered for his positive influence in orchestrating peaceful change, not because he was gay but because he… Read more »
Spare me the castration!
Whatever came out of The Million Man March was secondary to what might have been
accomplished?
What accomplishments you delineated are not in proportion to the assembly of a Million
Human Beings.
Are you suggesting that the potential of the Million Man March wasn’t reached? Others would differ since those who were impacted experienced tangible change despite you not being able to discern the results. Based on your ideas, one can say man’s first walk on the moon over 50 years ago is secondary to what might have been accomplished and the advances that scientists made are not in proportion to placing people on the moon. Just as the famed astronaut stated about one step, the Million Man March and the 1963 March were just one step toward improving civil rights for a… Read more »
In addition, he forgot, that a full 3/5’s of African Americans, had “pulled ourselves up by our bootstraps” reaching some assemblance/level of economic middle-class self-sufficiency . . . More of ‘us’ than ever before were attending universities and getting training for gov., careers, jobs, across the board . . . yeah, there’s much good that came about because of the many movements of the 60’s. America became the toast of the world, as the country that you could; regardless of your background, if really tried, your dreams of being, contributing greatly to your country could come true, like nowhere else… Read more »
Lamar:
how nice of you to join in on the evisceration of Kasper’s flesh and the grinding
of his bones!
You are aware…that “What Does Not Kill You, Makes You Stronger”?
Thus,
Kasper is spurred on to “Stir-the-Pot or Rotate-the-Spit!
. . . If educating you, is evisceration . . . you’re not that strong to begin with then.
It’s quite obvious, you should seek psychological help, though, bud, clearly.
Get off the cross sweetheart!!! You self appointment as a martyr is far too self-centered/promoted/flagellated!!!! Kasper should realize that there is already an overpopulation of those who do nothing but stir the pot and play devil’s advocate as if the rest of us need their negativity in order to have deep thoughts!!! Child please!!!
And just think, if it weren’t for LBJ and his Great Society welfare state there would still be nuclear families.
. . . You should know, though, that wasn’t the first or original “welfare state” and look what that did, for the indigenous as well as African Americans, not much.
Considering what was taken, stolen, pillaged, sovereignties irreparably ravaged and the ongoing effects for hundreds of years of generations.
“LBJ and his great society” was/is a drop in the bucket.
Where’s the “proclamation” along wit’ dat’ emancipation, of which, still did not grant ‘us’1st class status, either.
It’s called a state of “Indian Giving.” Yeah, “that’s America/n.”
We can celebrate Black history anytime. It don’t have to be only during Black history month.
Understood, Marcus.
There was/is no disrespect associated with my commentaries.
Yeah RRRIIIIGGHHHTTT…. >:-|
Glad you agreed that my aforementioned was correct & right!
Most def feel you on that score.
It’s great to see this.
A piece from a time when humility and purpose promoted understanding and togetherness.
Instead of todays’ pummeling by the entitled and demanding promoting division and hate.
Also, a relief from the romcoms promoted here featuring light skinned young men cavorting through thoughtless escapades.
PREACH!
Indeed a civil rights hero and its great that he is being recognized for the work he’s done not only for blacks, but people in general. Black history must be taught in schools so that people like Rustin can be acknowledged for the courageous life they lived.