Bayard Rustin was an African American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights. Rustin worked with A. Philip Randolph on the March on Washington Movement, in 1941, to press for an end to racial discrimination in employment.

Where did Bayard Rustin grow up?

In 1912, Bayard Taylor Rustin was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was primarily raised by his Quaker grandparents, Janifer and Julia Rustin.

What did Bayard Rustin do for a living?

He was born and raised in Pennsylvania where his family was involved in civil rights work. In 1936, he moved to Harlem, New York City and earned a living as a nightclub and stage singer, and continued activism for civil rights. In the pacifist Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), Rustin practiced nonviolence.