After the events of Saturday night, it seems as conversations on some people’s timelines the next day revolved around those who are at the front lines of the Black Lives Matter movement.

DeRay McKesson, a young black gay male, is one of the most prominent, visible fighters. While I haven’t seen too many tweets in this manner on my end, it doesn’t surprise me that many others are seeing sentiments that are unfavorable of DeRay. Because he’s a gay man, he shouldn’t be a visible activist? Crazy, right?

In case we’ve forgotten, here is a little tidbit of information on a man by the name of Bayard Rusin. I know I can’t do Mr. Rustin justice in only a certain amount of words, so here’s what you need to know:

Rustin was crucial in the civil rights movement of the 60s, and yes, Rustin was a gay man. An advocate for non-violence as a form of resistance, he was a key organizer in in protests, organizing events worldwide from England to the United States. Rustin was even key in organizing the Southern Christian Leadership Conference!

Photo: Tumblr

He began working with Dr. Martin Luther King as an organizer and strategist in the mid 50s. He worked with him to desegregate buses in Alabama and he was a “key figure” in the organization of 1963’s iconic March on Washington, where King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech.

It’s ridiculous to think that Rustin did so much for us, yet he was criminalized for being himself. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail in 1963 for “publicly engaging in homosexual activity.” Yes you read this right. In fact, homosexuality was a criminal act in some parts of the United States until 2003.

There was also lots of controversy. An initial march outside of the Democratic National Convention was planned in 1960 prior to the one in 1963. But another black political leader, Rep. Adam Powell of New York, told Dr. King if he didn’t remove Rustin, he would spread to the press that King and Rustin were lovers. King obliged, and according to James Baldwin, the “I Have a Dream” speaker “lost much moral credit … in the eyes of the young.”

Despite linking together again for the famous march in 1963, NAACP leaders wouldn’t allow Rustin to be at the forefront, and he had to be the deputy to his fellow organizer. A. Phillip Randolph. They both worked with John Lewis on his speech for the event as well. Not only did he receive critique from his own people, infamous Republican senator Strom Thurmond attacked Rustin personally.

Through all of the negativity, Rustin continued to prevail, making the march a success and going on to work in many endeavors such as Democratic party politics, activism on the international level, gay rights and much more.

Rustin trended today on Twitter, as many wanted people to know how wrong they were if they do in fact have bigoted views.

Rustin, who died in 1987 posthumously received the Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2013, which was accepted by his longtime partner, Walter Naegle.

In fact, let’s not discuss only Rustin, as he is only one of our black LGBT pioneers. There’s James Baldwin, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, Alvin Ailey, to be honest we could go on and on. Especially with so much going on now, it’s important to know your history.

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A. Phillip RandolphBayard-RustinBlack-lives-matterCivil Rights leadersCIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENTCivil-rightsDeRay-McKessonMarch-On-WashingtonMartin Luther King Jr.