*Please note: The exact date of this photograph is unknown.
In this vibrant scene, Rustin lifts his arms in delight as pigeons alight around him in the bustling expanse of Trafalgar Square. The iconic London cityscape frames a rare moment of exuberance and ease, revealing Rustin’s capacity for joy after decades dedicated to the struggles of others. The simple act of feeding birds becomes a celebration of life, resilience, and the peace hard-won by a champion of justice.
By 1983, Rustin’s decades of tireless advocacy for civil rights, justice, and human dignity had taken him around the world, from rural America to international capitals. This photo captures a late-life serenity and exuberance: after years spent fighting for others, Rustin briefly steps outside the demands of activism to simply enjoy being alive.
Advocate.com Editors. 2023. “Bayard Rustin’s Life and Civil Rights Legacy in Photos.” Advocate.Com, November 17, 2023. https://www.advocate.com/slideshow/2019/1/21/bayard-rustins-life-and-civil-rights-legacy-photos#rebelltitem3.
