This public schedule notice published in The New York Times documents an upcoming civic appearance by Bayard Rustin in New York City. The listing offers a glimpse into Rustin’s continued public engagement through lectures, panels, and community gatherings during the late 1970s.
Assessing the New Presidency: The Prospect of Gerald Ford
In this column published in The St. Louis American, Bayard Rustin examines what Black Americans could expect from Gerald Ford’s new presidency, scrutinizing his record on civil rights, school desegregation, and economic policy. Rustin criticizes Ford’s opposition to busing and his broader conservative approach to issues including employment, housing, healthcare, and education, while noting a cautious hope that Ford’s stated desire to serve all Americans might create opportunities for greater engagement and progress.
Defending Mexican-American Workers in Texas and New Mexico: Supporting the Farah Strike
In this column published in The St. Louis American, Bayard Rustin calls for national support for 3,000 Mexican-American workers striking the Farah Manufacturing Company for the right to organize and form a union free from intimidation and discrimination. Rustin connects the workers’ struggle to the broader civil rights and labor movements, emphasizing the importance of interracial solidarity and arguing that their fight for economic dignity, fair treatment, and workplace rights was part of the same struggle for equality faced by Black Americans.
The Most Crucial Vote of All: Defending the 1965 Voting Rights Act
In this column published in The St. Louis American, Bayard Rustin highlights the fight to renew the 1965 Voting Rights Act, emphasizing its impact on Black voter registration and political representation in the South. He warns that procedural battles in Congress could undermine these protections and calls for the law’s renewal before its scheduled expiration.
The Necessity of Political Participation: Endorsing Hubert Humphrey
In this column published in The St. Louis American, Bayard Rustin warns that calls to boycott the 1968 election would only strengthen conservative forces. He urges Black voters to support Hubert Humphrey, emphasizing his civil rights and labor record and the critical importance of the Black vote in defeating Richard Nixon.
Expanding Black Political Influence: Reflections on the Chicago Democratic Convention
In this column published in The St. Louis American, Bayard Rustin highlights major gains in Black political representation at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, including record Black representation and challenges to segregationist delegations. He argues that these victories demonstrate the importance of continued political participation and organizing to build Black political power.
"A Nixon Is An Agnew Is A Wallace" Newspaper Column: Exposing the Politics of Racial Backlash
In this column published in The St. Louis American, Bayard Rustin critiques Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew’s 1968 “law and order” campaign, arguing that repression could not address the deeper problems of poverty, racism, and urban inequality. Rustin calls for federal investment in jobs, housing, education, healthcare, and transportation, while urging Black voters to mobilize against a political backlash threatening civil rights gains.
"As Goes Mississippi" Newspaper Column: Supporting the Mississippi Loyal Democrats Challenge
This column examines Bayard Rustin's support for the Mississippi Challenge, a coalition effort to replace Mississippi's all-white Democratic delegation with one that reflected the state's diverse electorate. Rustin presents the campaign as a vital step toward expanding democratic participation, arguing that inclusive political coalitions were essential to dismantling discriminatory power structures and strengthening democracy across the South.
