Remember Bayard Rustin’s name. The Bayard Rustin Residence stands here as a testament to a life dedicated to social justice. This unassuming building in the Penn South complex in West Chelsea was Bayard Rustin’s home.
Bayard Rustin was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He was also a proponent of non-violence. He tirelessly campaigned for social and economic justice.
Bayard Rustin’s story is one of courage and conviction. Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1912, Rustin was raised as a Quaker. Quaker values deeply influenced his commitment to equality and peace.
Bayard Rustin’s life was peripatetic. He lived in many homes. But in 1962, he found a permanent anchor. He purchased apartment 9J in this building.
From September 11, 1962, until his death in 1987, this was his home. In 1977, his partner Walter Naegle moved in. Naegle still resides here. He preserves the apartment almost exactly as Rustin left it.
Bayard Rustin’s work extended far beyond these walls. He organized the August 28, 1963, March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march is remembered for Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Rustin worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen.
Bayard Rustin helped create the A. Philip Randolph Institute. This organization became central to creating jobs and justice for trade unionists. He traveled the world for Freedom House. He also worked for the International Rescue Committee. He supported refugee resettlement.
In the mid-1980s, Bayard Rustin recognized the importance of the struggle for Lesbian and Gay civil rights. He lobbied the New York City government. He urged them to support the lesbian and gay rights bill. Rustin testified against efforts to attach amendments to the bill. He believed that no group is safe from prejudice. This is true as long as any group is subject to special negative treatment.
Bayard Rustin’s legacy has been recognized in recent years. He is featured in biographies and films. In 2013, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Bayard Rustin Residence was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. This recognizes its significance in American history. It’s a tangible link to a man who fought tirelessly for equality.
Imagine the strategy meetings held within these walls. Picture Rustin and his colleagues planning the March on Washington. Feel the energy of activists committed to changing the world.
Bayard Rustin’s impact continues to resonate today. His residence reminds us of the ongoing struggle for social justice. It inspires us to continue his fight for a more equitable world.
Here at the Bayard Rustin Residence, we honor his memory. We celebrate his contributions. We recommit ourselves to the values he championed. Equality. Justice. Freedom for all.