A Man For All Seasons--Bayard Rustin at 100

Just a short note to remark that today is Bayard Rustin's 100th Birthday. Some of us who had the privilege of working with Bayard remember him today as being the vanguard of the vanguard.

Few events over the past few years do not reflect Bayard's interest and activism as well as are reminders of his deep legacy. The Uprising in Wisconsin reflects his concerns about the trade union movement and the need for collective bargaining. His old institution, the A. Philip Randolph Institute, is working on combattingVoter ID laws throughout the country just as Bayard agitated for the Voting Rights Act passed under LBJ. Occupy Wall Street and the national protests around the disparity of wealth in this country emphasize Bayard's concerns for income equality. And key to all this has been the selfsame commitment to non-violence as the only appropriate means for real change.

Perhaps the only upbeat news these days has been about gay rights and the sea change in our society's attitudes toward gays and lesbians. For years, Bayard's work and role in the civil rights movement were kept in the shadows because of his homosexuality. Today, he is being justly hailed as a pioneer in these matters and a man who was critical in advancing civil liberties for all.

I will wait to write more when I receive my copy next week of "I Resist",the life of Bayard Rustin through his letters.

His companion and the keeper of his legacy Walter Naegle has developed a series of events celebrating Bayard's 100 years. We have had concerts and art shows here in D.C. There will be celebrations in his hometown of Chester, Pennsylvania. Berkeley, California issued a proclamation celebrating Bayard's 100 years. But, alas, I regret there has been no stamp.

So, Happy Birthday, Bayard.