A Bayard Rustin Archive Aims to Preserve His Legacy as a Queer Civil Rights Activist
UNITED STATES, JUL 8 – The archive aims to correct historical neglect by gathering thousands of items that showcase Rustin's role as a key organizer and mentor in the Civil Rights Movement.
- Social justice advocates are launching a digital archive this fall, led by the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice to preserve and celebrate Rustin’s legacy as a Civil Rights and queer leader.
- Recognizing that resources about Rustin are scattered, the archive aims to compile a living historical record inviting community contributions.
- AP archivists uncovered and digitized rare 1964 footage from museums, archives, and personal sources, enriching the digital archive with articles, photos, videos, telegrams, and speeches.
- The National Black Justice Collective credits Rustin’s legacy for advocacy successes, inspiring younger activists to pursue nonviolent change.
- More broadly, Rustin’s mentorship of King and leadership in key civil rights events continue to influence movements and inspire future generations.
37 Articles
37 Articles

A Bayard Rustin archive aims to preserve his legacy as a queer Civil Rights activist
Social justice advocates are creating a queer history archive that celebrates Bayard Rustin, a major organizer in the Civil Rights Movement and key architect of the March on Washington.
Digital Archive Preserves Rustin’s Queer Black Activism
The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice will launch a digital archive this fall to honor Bayard Rustin’s life and legacy, according to the Associated Press. The archive will include speeches, photos, articles and rare footage — including Rustin speaking at a 1964 rally following the Selma beatings. In this still image taken from video, mementos belonging to civil rights leader Bayard Rustin are pictured at his partner Walter Naegle’s home, …
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