Viewers of Netflix’s Rustin are asking whether or not the political drama film starring Colman Domingo is based on a true story. Here is all you need to know.
Is Rustin based on a true story?
Yes, Rustin is based on a true story.
Rustin, the political-drama film, is based on the true story of Civil Rights activist Bayard Rustin, who was instrumental in the 1963 March on Washington, where he helped renowned political philosopher, baptist minister, and civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr.
Bayard Rustin’s commitment to justice and equality came from his activism and counsel in various social and political arenas, including racial equality, socialism, non-violence, and gay rights.
Rustin’s political life and philosophies were shaped by his Quaker roots and the influence of his maternal grandparents, who had instilled in him the importance of non-violent resistance. His non-violent principles make him very similar to India’s iconic political leader and freedom fighter, Mahatma Gandhi, who also practiced non-violent resistance against East India Company rule.
Bayard Rustin’s activist journey began in the 1930s, but it did not get much steam until the 40s and 50s, when his non-violent approach to organizing political protests led to him becoming an advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., who only bolstered Rustin’s non-violent beliefs by imparting Gandhian philosophy and tactics to him.
Rustin’s most memorable contribution to King Jr.’s work happened in 1963 when he served as the chief organizer of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This event gathered over 200 million people in a peaceful demonstration, which became a crucial pillar of the Civil Rights era and helped push forward critical legislation.
Despite his success on the political front, he was not spared from personal struggles. As an openly gay Black man in a period of constant homophobia and racism, he faced discrimination and marginalization everywhere he went, and this sometimes impacted his public image and role within the civil rights movement.
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