*Please note: The exact date of this photograph is unknown.
Bayard Rustin is pictured at the A. Philip Randolph Institute in 1972, sitting beside African sculptures and artwork that reflect his international perspective and appreciation for cultural heritage. The environment demonstrates Rustin’s deep engagement with both labor organizing and the broader social movements of the era, as well as personal interests in global art and history.
By 1972, the A. Philip Randolph Institute had become a hub for linking civil rights, labor justice, and coalition politics as the movement transitioned into addressing economic inequalities and urban crises. Rustin, as a senior leader and strategist, advocated for alliances among workers, communities of color, and progressive organizations—envisioning human rights reform rooted in both racial and economic justice. His presence in this setting underscores the ongoing evolution of Black activism from grassroots protest to policy-driven institution building.
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.
