Bayard Rustin was a driving force behind the Civil Rights Movement, but he was ultimately pushed away for being an openly gay man.
As a relatively unknown but crucial figure during the Civil Rights Movement, Rustin organized the March on Washington in 1963 that featured Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. All of which is depicted in the documentary Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin.
“I think he is a great figure in history and one that’s often overlooked,” said Lance Poston, a doctoral student in the history department.
While many credit MLK for bringing Gandhi’s approach of nonviolence to the Civil Rights Movement, it was actually Rustin who mentored MLK in nonviolence protest.
“Bayard Rustin is a figure that has often been overlooked in LGBT history,” Poston said. “(The movie) definitely is something I think is prudent to the campus.”
Community activist Jan Griesinger spearheaded efforts to bring the documentary to Ohio University. She is loaning her copy of the film to the multicultural department, said Winsome Chunnu-Brayda, associate director of the Multicultural Center.
Poston will be introducing the film in addition to leading a discussion following the film.
“I think ultimately (Rustin was) just this fascinating guy who had such a huge impact in the Civil Rights Movement for the rights of African Americans. But specifically, (he) was not afraid of his sexuality,” Poston said.
For the showing, the LGBT Center, Women’s Center and Multicultural Center joined forces in spirit of Black History month, Chunnu-Brayda said.
“We’re all happy to be cosponsoring this movie (and to) show the ways in which multi-cultural and LGBT are connected in the struggle to social justice,” said Susanne Dietzel, director of the Women’s Center.
If You Go:
What: Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin
When: Feb. 22 2-4 p.m.
Where: Multipurpose room in the Multicultural Center
Admission: Free
je726810@ohiou.edu
