Strategy

Rustin on the First Federal King Holiday

Written just after the first national MLK Day, this letter finds Bayard Rustin cautioning against the canonization of Dr. King, arguing that portraying him as a flawless, superhuman figure makes his work seem unreachable and obscures the collective nature of the movement. Rustin urges a more honest history that recognizes King as part of a disciplined team—and honors the many unsung strategists whose collaboration made social change possible.