Bayard Rustin, courtesy Library of Congress.
Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted a resolution introduced by state Rep. Andre D. Carroll, D-Phila., that designates March 17, 2025, as “Bayard Rustin Day” in Pennsylvania.
Bayard Rustin, a native of West Chester, was a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and played a pivotal role in making nonviolent resistance a foundational principle of the Civil Rights Movement. He was the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, one of the most significant demonstrations in our nation’s history.
Additionally, Rustin co-founded the Congress of Racial Equality and participated in the Journey of Reconciliation, an early effort to challenge segregation in interstate travel. This action later served as a model for the Freedom Rides of 1961, further advancing civil rights in the United States.
“Our world today is a direct result of Bayard Rustin’s activism, and while his impact is undeniable, his name is too often forgotten in discussions of history,” Carroll said. “I’m very glad to see that our commonwealth is taking a righteous step to honor and bring awareness to his legacy and invaluable contributions to our nation.”
Carroll pointed out that Rustin, who was gay, was also a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
“As a gay, Black man, Bayard Rustin’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, in addition to his advocacy for racial justice, has played a huge role in my life,” Carroll said. “As one of a very few gay, Black members of the Pennsylvania legislature, I hope to continue Mr. Rustin’s legacy of fighting for these groups’ rights, equality and humanity, as they are still under attack today.”
This resolution is Carroll’s first to be adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
