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The LGBTQ+ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights (NCCHR) will commemorate civil rights icon Bayard Rustin’s birthday with an annual event, “Angelic Troublemakers: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Bayard Rustin”.
On the day of Bayard Rustin's birth (March 17, 1912), the LGBTQ+ Institute at NCCHR will celebrate its first-ever Bayard Rustin Day, honoring the man who mobilized collective action for civil rights. The Day will address what collective action means in the fight for human dignity in 2024.
The event will be hosted by Judge Hatchett featuring a fireside chat with Bayard Rustin’s life partner, Walter Naegle, on March 17 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA.
The gathering will examine the life of the architect of the March on Washington, whose considerable logistical talents played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. Rustin, who was openly gay, occupied a rare position within the movement of the 1960s.
Last year, the groundbreaking Netflix film Rustin brought visibility and recognition to Black, gay, civil rights pioneer Bayard Rustin, a lauded yet overlooked icon of the U.S Civil Rights Movement, who is also featured at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Thanks to the film, a renewed, ignited interest in Rustin’s powerful story has been brought forth to a contemporary era.
The afternoon features a fireside chat between Walter Naegel, Bayard Rustin's life partner, and Tim’m West, the Center’s LGBTQ+ Institute Director. Naegel will reflect on Rustin's legacy on political organizing and the fight for human dignity today.
Beforehand, youth and young adult leaders will discuss Rustin’s impact on the struggle for civil and LGBTQ+ rights. Writer and co-founder of the Rustin Lorde Breakfast, Craig Washington, LMSW Innervisions LLC, will moderate the panel that includes:
Toni-Michelle Williams, Executive Director of Solutions NOT Punishment Collaborative
Carlton McCall, President of the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Raleigh A Philip Randolph Institute APRI Chapter
Marcus Lee, Cotsen Postdoctoral Fellow in LGBT Studies and Lecturer in the Department of African American Studies, Princeton University
Evan Malbrough, Founder, Georgia Youth Poll Worker Project and Speak Truth to Power Youth Advisory Board Member at the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights organization
Attorney, author, and TV personality Glenda A. Hatchett (Judge Hatchett) will serve as guest host.
Bayard Rustin Day will take place a week after the Academy Awards, for which Colman Domingo has been nominated for the Best Actor award for his electrifying portrayal on Rustin.
“Bayard Rustin paved the way for so many activists, especially through the lens of intersectionality,” said West. “We are honored to establish this celebration to ensure his courageous example will continue to inspire future changemakers.”
Gayes, Save the Date for The LGBTQ+ Institute’s 1st annual Bayard Rustin Day!
Read more details and reserve tickets at Bayard Rustin Day.