House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

Posted:	February 8, 2019 04:35 PM
From:	Representative Malcolm Kenyatta
To:	All House members
Subject:	Honoring the Life and Accomplishments of Bayard Rustin

Sadly, we often overlook some of the most influential individuals in our nation’s history, forgetting people whose accomplishments shape our world. Bayard Rustin, an ardent civil rights advocate, is one such individual and is a fitting person to reflect on during Black History Month. This is why I am introducing a resolution honoring his life. Born in West Chester on March 17, 1912, Bayard Rustin developed a life-long commitment to nonviolent activism through his Quaker upbringing and the influence of his grandmother’s involvement in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). As a gay, black man, he faced discrimination throughout his life, but adhered to peaceful protest as a means for enacting change. A close confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rustin was instrumental in nonviolence becoming a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement. In 1963, he cemented his legacy by serving as the chief organizer of the March on Washington, but continued to combat social injustice as a champion for gay rights throughout the remainder of his life. Our world is a product of Rustin’s activism, but sadly, many have forgotten his name. Support this resolution and help to honor the accomplishments of this monumental figure.
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Introduced as HR100