In this letter to the editor of New America, Associated Builders and Contractors president Robert A. Turner responds to Bayard Rustin’s criticism of nonunion construction, defending the “merit shop” system as an alternative to union collective bargaining. Turner argues that nonunion contractors offered greater opportunities for minority workers, while criticizing unions’ history of racial exclusion.
Rustin Requests Meeting for Cambodian Relief
Telegram outlining plans for First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s meeting in Bangkok with representatives from international organizations and voluntary agencies to discuss the Cambodian relief situation. It notes that the American Citizens Commission on Indochina delegation—including Bayard Rustin and Leo Cherne—had spent the past week assessing conditions in Cambodia and was recommended to participate in the meeting to share their observations and strong recommendations.
Bayard Rustin’s Delegation Visit to Israel Supporting Peace and Condemning PLO
Telegram documenting a visit to Israel by a delegation of Black U.S. civil rights and labor leaders, including Bayard Rustin. The delegation publicly supported Israel and condemned the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), with Rustin stating that claims of widespread U.S. support for the PLO were “disturbing the peace process.” The group received positive media coverage in Israel for their stance.
Regulate Runaway Shops and Congressional Endorsement
In this column published by the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Bayard Rustin critiques “runaway shops,” warning that corporate plant closures can devastate communities and disproportionately harm Black workers. He supports federal legislation to require advance notice of closures and provide displaced workers with protections including retraining, severance, and pension benefits.
Bayard Rustin Urges U.S. Action on Indochinese Refugee Crisis in East Asia
Telegram includes a press summary of major East Asian news covering Korean Peninsula tensions, Japan’s nuclear plant shutdown, the Vietnamese “boat people” crisis, and wider refugee issues in the region. Bayard Rustin is quoted calling for urgent U.S. intervention to assist Indochinese refugees, famously stating, “If US has to take them all, then take them all.” The summary also addresses economic developments in China, border conflicts with Vietnam, and humanitarian concerns in Cambodia and East Timor.
A Sneak Attack on Black Construction Workers
In this column published by the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Bayard Rustin warns that the growth of nonunion “merit shops” threatens hard-won gains for Black workers in the construction industry. He calls for Black leaders and labor allies to unite in defending union jobs, fair wages, and economic opportunity.
Bayard Rustin Public Appearance Listing
Bayard Rustin’s Report on Rhodesian Elections and U.S. Observers’ Assessment
Telegram relaying preliminary results and observations of the Rhodesian elections, highlighting a 63.9% voter turnout with some districts reporting turnouts exceeding estimated eligible voters. Rustin, as a U.S. observer, affirmed the elections were free and fair and emphasized the historic significance of electing a Black prime minister. He also questioned the inconsistent sanctions policies of the U.S. toward Rhodesia and South Africa.
Under the Auspices of Freedom House, Rustin Attends a Political Rally in Zimbabwe/Rhodesia, April 1979
Amid the stirring energy of Zimbabwe/Rhodesia's transition toward majority rule, Bayard Rustin stands at the heart of a political rally, surrounded by campaign signs in English and indigenous languages. Demonstrators enthusiastically display “Be a Winner” and “Vote” placards, voicing hope and determination for the future of democracy in post-colonial Africa. This photograph captures Rustin actively engaged on the ground, bearing witness to the rise of Black political power after decades of white supremacist governance and colonial oppression.
Bayard Rustin Intervenes to End Hate and Terror Campaign by Black Hebrews in Israel
Telegram summarizing a five-part series published by The Jerusalem Post on the Black Hebrews in Israel, highlighting their history, legal status, and controversies. The article notes that a “hate and terror campaign” conducted by the group and their U.S. supporters ended following Bayard Rustin’s intervention in November 1978.
