"To be afraid is to behave as if the truth were not true."
-- Bayard Rustin, American Civil Rights Activist
In honor of the anniversay of his birthday last week, I wanted to share this little bit of wisdom and a few words about the compassionate leader who said it.
Bayard Rustin was one of the most influential, behind-the-scenes figures in the American civil rights movement in the 1960s. With his deep and lifelong commitment to non-violent resistance and human rights in all forms, Rustin was a model of compassion in action and true courage. An openly gay black man and conscientious objector, Rustin lived and worked for the freedom of future generations in an America where just to be one of those things was enough to assure him some prison time.
I encourage you to read and learn more about his contributions and to take a deep attitude of gratitude as you do so. To my mind, Rustin is the voice of all who must to this day remain silent about who they are, or what they believe, for fear of being ostracized or even criminalized. Let us not forget.
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