For nearly a decade, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights has served as the home of the LGBTQ+ Institute, which advanced research, education, and leadership development
Today, we are proud to announce that a program developed under the Institute has evolved into the Rustin Institute for Leadership Development, an independent nonprofit inspired by Bayard Rustin’s legacy of moral courage, coalition-building, and imagination.
Named for the visionary strategist, organizer, and architect of the 1963 March on Washington, the Rustin Institute is dedicated to cultivating intergenerational leadership and movements rooted in justice, dignity, and democratic change.
Tim’m West, who served as the director of the LGBTQ+ Institute, established the Rustin Institute as an independent 501(c)(3) organization to deepen its impact, pursue new funding opportunities, and expand partnerships.
“As our programs expanded and our vision grew, I knew establishing an independent organization would help us focus on building a new generation of leaders,” said Tim’m West, now the Executive Director of the Rustin Institute for Leadership Development. “I am deeply grateful to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights for helping to make this possible.”
As the Rustin Institute embarks on this exciting new chapter, the Center congratulates Tim’m West and the Rustin Institute team.
“We look forward to seeing the organization cultivate courageous leaders and carry forward Bayard Rustin’s enduring legacy of moral courage, coalition-building, and the pursuit of justice and equal dignity for all,” said Jill Savitt, CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
