"We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers." "People will never fight for your freedom if you have not given evidence that you are prepared to fight for it yourself" -- Civil rights activist and principal planner of the 1963 "I Have A Dream" March on Washington Bayard Rustin (3/17/1912 - 8/24/87). An openly gay figure of the Civil Rights movement, Rustin advocated non-violent resistance and action against the racism of the day, advising Civil Rights leaders in the 1940s - 1970s behind the scenes at a time when his sexual orientation was controversial. The head of the A. Phillip Randolph Institute of the AFL-CIO, Rustin was posthumously rewarded the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. His "angelic troublemakers" comment is reminiscent of Rep. John Lewis' "good trouble" quote, and should inspire us today as we confront Trumpist authoritarianism.
(photo: Rustin, left with March on Washington organizer. World Telegram & Sun / O. Fernandez)
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