He was one of the most important leaders of the civil rights movement and the principle organizer of the march on Washington. There's a reason most people have never heard of him. His choice to live openly about his homosexuality in the 1950's and his past affiliation with the Young Communist League kept him in the background of the movement. He remained controversial throughout his life and was promoting the future of democratic elections in Haiti shortly before he died. There's no reason to keep him in the background any longer.
Until someone makes that Hollywood drama, there's an excellent documentary which will be shown for Black History Month at the next Liberty Brew & View. The free screening of Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin happens Tuesday, February 16, 7:00pm, at City Nights Theater in Capital City Bar & Grill. As always, you can order food or drinks while you see the movie.
