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.
"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.
