NPR

Bayard Rustin Addresses Marchers from the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, August 28, 1963

Bayard Rustin stands at the microphone on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, rallying the crowd and issuing crucial instructions that would ensure the March on Washington’s peaceful and powerful impact. As the architect behind the day’s logistics and strategy, Rustin’s clear presence at the podium marks the culmination of months of tireless organizing—uniting diverse groups into a single, disciplined force for justice. The moment crackles with anticipation, as Rustin energizes marchers and steers the day’s events with a steady, visionary hand.