The Bayard Rustin Society
Honoring Legacy. Fueling Liberation.
Why Bayard Rustin?
Bayard Rustin was the visionary strategist behind the March on Washington and a leader who lived authentically at the intersection of Black, gay, and Quaker identities. The Bayard Rustin Society honors his legacy as a champion of coalition and courage by advancing LGBTQ+ equity through education, storytelling, and intergenerational movement-building. The Society powers the LGBTQ+ Institute’s youth programs and annual symposium, ensuring the next generation of changemakers has the community and resources to lead.
Each Year, We Celebrate Bayard Rustin’s Legacy
Bayard Rustin Day is an annual, cross-generational celebration of the civil rights icon, architect of the March on Washington, and unapologetic advocate for peace and equality.
Held around his March 17 birthday, the event brings together youth leaders, artists, and community members for a powerful afternoon of performance, dialogue, and collective action.
In 2025, under the theme “Ready to Meet the Moment,” we gathered at Saint Mark United Methodist Church to honor Rustin’s enduring vision. The program included:
- Youth-led poetry and performances
- A panel on allyship with trans and gender expansive communities
- A cross-generational fireside chat, “Coming Out as an Ally”
- A call to action against rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
This gathering is more than a commemoration—it’s a recommitment to Rustin’s legacy of radical inclusion and courageous leadership.
Join the Bayard Rustin Society
Become part of a growing movement for joy, equity, and justice.
Your gift directly supports LGBTQ+ youth and ensures that Bayard Rustin’s legacy lives on through today’s courageous leaders.
Please note: Our donation platform currently does not accept payments from residents of California.
To give by mail or ACH: National Center for Civil and Human Rights
ATTN: Bayard Rustin Society 250 Williams St. NW, Suite 2322 Atlanta, GA 30303
ACH inquiries: [email protected]