Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin

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robert m Historians say that it takes at least fifty years to understand some of the big events in history. Bayard wasn't fully appreciated during the 1950s and the 1960s. In the 21st century, Americans are starting to appreciate his wisdom and his courage as a leader in the civil rights movement. This is a wonderful movie about a man who did a lot of good. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review walter m Okay, so we have all seen those ads supposedly about the most interesting person. That is so this century. If we're talking last century, then it certainly has to be Bayard Rustin(1912-1987) whose life and times are told in this fascinating documentary that maybe does start a little slowly. While the story of the civil rights movement has been told many times before, Rustin's individual story starts a little differently as he did not first face racism and segregation in the Deep South like many others but in his hometown of West Chester, Pa. Eventually, he would affiliate himself with Communists but would depart when he found their commitment to the cause wanting. Later, he would organize the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. To the cause of civil rights, he brought the pacifism of his Quaker upbringing to the table.(Also included is some great footage of him debating Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael.) Not only that but Rustin would also oppose the draft during World War II, even going to jail for his pacifist beliefs. And what? You thought they invented burning draft cards in the 60's? Oh by the way, Bayard Rustin was also gay. And as remarked here, he was out as much as anyone could be before Stonewall. I do agree that the arrest in Pasadena was stupid, considering how much it would be held against him in years to come. Plus, he also sang, which you can hear on the soundtrack, for a while professionally to make a living. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member I've read a lot about Mr. Rustin. I feel as if the director/writer missed a lot here. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member That was really interesting. I am continually surprised about how little I know about the 1950s and 1960s. But, I'm from a generation where our history books in school usually ended before or during the 1960s, as I recall anyway. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member In celebration of Black History Month and the overturning of Prop 8 in California, check out this amazing documentary on Bayard Rustin, chief architect of the March on Washington and a true champion of human rights around the globe. He was a Quaker, gay, and a black man who believed in the dignity of all people. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Great documentary. If I hadn't seen this I would not have known that this man was the genius behind many of MLK Jr.s' marches. What a courageous and wonderful man. To be openly gay in a time when it was political and personal suicide took guts. The FBI wiretapped and investigated him, and they tried to label him a pervert. Yet he never apologized for the way he lived, and taught people peace and the art of civil disobedience. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin

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