Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ)’s Post

In Black History Month, we want to spotlight an often-overlooked giant: Bayard Rustin (1912–1987). More than just an organizer of the iconic March on Washington, Rustin was a strategist, mentor, and tireless advocate for equality whose story demands remembrance. A Key Architect of Change: Though faced with personal attacks and discrimination due to his sexuality, Rustin remained at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. He co-founded the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), helped establish the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and served as a close advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., shaping critical strategies like nonviolent resistance. Facing Discrimination Head-On: Openly gay during a time of immense prejudice, Rustin refused to let his identity silence him. Arrested for "moral cause" early in his career, he chose not to hide. His unyielding courage and commitment to justice, despite facing criticism, serve as a powerful reminder of the strength found in authenticity. A Hidden Figure, No More: While Rustin's contributions often took a backseat due to bigotry, his impact is undeniable. This February, let's honor his legacy by actively learning about his work, amplifying his story, and ensuring his crucial role in the fight for equality is never forgotten. https://lnkd.in/gpXxXudy #BlackHistoryMonth #BayardRustin #CivilRights #SocialJustice #LGBTQ+

In Black History Month, we want to spotlight an often-overlooked giant: Bayard Rustin (1912–1987). More than just an organizer of the iconic March on Washington, Rustin was a strategist, mentor, and tireless advocate for equality whose story demands remembrance. A Key Architect of Change: Though faced with personal attacks and discrimination due to his sexuality, Rustin remained at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. He co-founded the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), helped establish the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and served as a close advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., shaping critical strategies like nonviolent resistance. Facing Discrimination Head-On: Openly gay during a time of immense prejudice, Rustin refused to let his identity silence him. Arrested for "moral cause" early in his career, he chose not to hide. His unyielding courage and commitment to justice, despite facing criticism, serve as a powerful reminder of the strength found in authenticity. A Hidden Figure, No More: While Rustin's contributions often took a backseat due to bigotry, his impact is undeniable. This February, let's honor his legacy by actively learning about his work, amplifying his story, and ensuring his crucial role in the fight for equality is never forgotten. https://lnkd.in/gpXxXudy #BlackHistoryMonth #BayardRustin #CivilRights #SocialJustice #LGBTQ+

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. —Martin Luther King Jr. As I scrolled through a WhatsApp status update 30 minutes ago, I came across a quote by Martin Luther King Jr. that resonated with me. It made me think about the importance of speaking up for what we believe in, even when it's difficult. So I decided to write about why speaking up is so important, and how we can all make a difference in the world by using our voices. When we consider the impact of speaking up, it's clear that there are many benefits. First, speaking up can lead to positive change in the world. Throughout history, many movements for social justice have been fueled by people speaking up and demanding change. For example, the Civil Rights Movement, the Women's Suffrage Movement, and the LGBT Rights Movement all began with people speaking up and demanding equal rights. Moving on, another benefit of speaking up is that it can raise awareness about important issues. When we share our opinions and experiences, we can help others understand the issues we care about. This can lead to more people taking action and making a difference. For example, when we share stories about environmental issues, it can inspire others to reduce their carbon footprint and make more sustainable choices. Also, speaking up can empower us as individuals. By sharing our opinions and experiences, we can gain confidence and feel more connected to our communities. It can also be therapeutic to speak up about the issues we care about. To sum it all up, speaking up is a powerful tool that can lead to positive change in the world. It can also raise awareness, empower individuals, and create a sense of community. No matter how small our actions may seem, they can have a big impact when we join together and speak up for what we believe in. So, let's use our voices for good and make a difference in the world! Friends, learn to speak up and remember to stay blessed.❤ —January 12, 2024 #MulikatTitilayoAzeez #dailywriteup

Grateful for a new day, let us remain steadfast in our defense of our rights, drawing strength from the divine. Upholding our rights is crucial as they form the foundation of our freedoms and liberties. By advocating for justice, we contribute to a fair and equitable society. In today's world, standing up for what is right is essential. Our actions, whether advocating for equal rights or fighting injustice, can bring positive change. History proves that united individuals can drive monumental societal shifts. Drawing strength from faith, we can overcome adversity and make a lasting impact. Upholding our values not only protects our rights but also shapes a better future. Let's remember that our rights are fundamental to our humanity, forming the basis of a just society. By defending these rights, we contribute to the greater good. Together, with purpose and conviction, we can overcome any challenge. #freedom #justice #equality #humanrights #lgbtrights

#BlackHistoryMonth2024 Bayard Rustin was a prominent figure in the American civil rights movement. He was an activist, strategist, and organizer who worked closely with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. Rustin played a key role in organizing events such as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. In 1932, Rustin studied in Wilberforce College, a historically black college in Ohio operated by the AME Church. Beyond marches and speeches, Bayard Rustin's impact extended into labor and economic justice. In 1941, he collaborated with Pittsburgh APRI on the March on Washington Movement to challenge racial discrimination in the military and defense employment. Leading the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Rustin championed integrating unions and empowering African American workers, intertwining the fights for racial and economic equality. Despite facing discrimination for being openly gay, Bayard Rustin remained dedicated to fighting for racial justice, economic equality, labor rights, and LGBTQ+ rights throughout his life. His contributions to the civil rights movement and his commitment to social justice have left a lasting impact on American history. Rustin's activism transcended borders through humanitarian missions from Vietnam to Haiti. In his later years, he focused on advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and AIDS education, believing that "gay people are the new barometer for social change." This Black History Month, Walk With Web celebrates in remembrance Rustin's life narrative, rich in courage, strategy, and compassion, Rustin remains a guiding light for future generations in the relentless pursuit of equality. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #CivilRightsPioneer #LGBTQHero #UnsungHeroOfHistory #EqualityForAll #NonviolentResistance #SocialJustice #BlackExcellence #Pride #BlackLivesMatter #VoiceOfEquality #Strength #Diversity #CelebrateBlackHistory #PowerInNonviolence #Advocacy #Equality

New Blog Post: Commitment to Ignorance or Commitment to Change "As a trans, queer, cis-male passing, light-skinned brown person, I ride a particular line between privilege and oppression. This line informs how I move and the ways in which I engage. Because as a light-skinned brown person I benefit from anti-Black racism, which means I am also, likely, perpetuating anti-Black racism and likely to trade on the privileges of being perceived as a cisgender man with light skin, without awareness. My process of becoming and continuing to become anti-racist took time. It took a few years for the behavioral changes to become integrated and automatic. What I learned is that deep transformational change takes time as we must move through and experience all the emotions that arise when we face the honesty of our beings; and as we learn new behaviors and new choices while challenging old behaviors and long-held beliefs." Read more below...

Reflecting on MLK Day: "A society that has done some thing special against the Negro for hundreds of years must now do something special for the Negro." — Martin Luther King, Jr. His words serve as a reminder that achieving equality involves not only addressing injustices but also taking proactive steps to correct past mistakes. This day holds more significance than remembrance; it serves as a call to action. It urges us to delve into the rooted issues that have plagued communities for generations and commit ourselves to tangible and positive transformations. Within our domains, this translates into implementing policies promoting fair hiring practices and cultivating environments where diverse voices are heard, actively embraced, and valued. It is about creating opportunities that empower everyone those who have historically been marginalized or disadvantaged. #MLKDay #Equality #Inclusion #SocialJustice #Leadership #EthicalLeadership

Overhauling How We Show Up as Allies Insight #1: Understand that we win or lose together. Let’s stick with the World War II Allies analogy for our first couple of tips on how to be a great ally. We can’t get the John Lewis Restoration of Voting Rights Act passed while our LGBTQ+ siblings suffer slow incursions into their rights and safety. We cannot codify Roe and watch our immigrant brethren get locked out, beaten up, whipped, and accused of eating pets. Ours is an infinitely harder journey than that of the radical right because we are concerned with the well-being of everyone. We know that we walk into the Promised Land arm-in-arm, or we don’t get there at all. We have to care about people we’ve been taught to fear. We have to care about people we’ve been taught not to trust. We have to fight for the welfare of people whose choices we do not understand. But we know, as Martin Luther King said, “all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny.”  And so allies, let us always be vigilant of the well-being of each other knowing that if one of us fails, the entire alliance fails.

🌍✨ Art has the power to provoke thought, inspire change and challenge the status quo. We’re excited to share the reinstallation of V.L. Cox's impactful "End Hate" doors at the West End in New York. Originally installed in 2015 on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol, this powerful artwork was a response to the controversial Arkansas House Bill 1228, a bill that many felt would enable discrimination under the guise of religious freedom. 🚪 The "End Hate" installation, featuring doors labelled “Whites Only,” “LGBTQ Only,” and “Immigrants Only,” serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of division and segregation. It challenges us to reflect on the barriers that still exist in society and the importance of standing against hate in all its forms. 🔗 The final door, labelled “Human Being” and wrapped in chains, underscores a critical message for us as crowd management professionals: No matter the event or gathering, our role is to ensure every individual is respected, safe, and treated with equality. This piece reminds us that, despite our differences, we are all human beings deserving of dignity. As crowd professionals, we are committed to creating inclusive and safe environments for all. Art installations like "End Hate" remind us of the importance of our work in fostering unity, breaking down barriers and promoting equality in every crowd we manage. Read more about "End Hate", here 👉 www.vlcox.com/endhate #EndHate #HumanRights #ArtForChange #Unity #Equality #SocialJustice #CrowdManagement #EventProfessionals #Safety #Inclusion #Humanity #Crowds #Events #CrowdProfs #EventProfs #GlobalCrowds

🌟 Bayard Rustin: The Civil Rights Strategist and LGBTQIA+ Advocate Who Shaped History 🌟 Bayard Rustin is a towering figure in the history of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, though his contributions were often overshadowed due to his identity as an openly gay man. Despite facing significant personal and professional challenges, Rustin’s legacy is defined by his strategic genius, his commitment to nonviolence, and his deep belief in equality. Key Contributions: 🌟 Strategist Behind the 1963 March on Washington Bayard Rustin was the chief organizer of the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Rustin’s organizational brilliance ensured the success of one of the largest demonstrations for civil rights in U.S. history. The peaceful nature of the event reflected Rustin’s commitment to nonviolent resistance. 🌟 Advocacy for Nonviolence Rustin was a lifelong advocate for nonviolent resistance, inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He introduced these principles to Dr. King, which became foundational to the Civil Rights Movement. His work in this area began as early as the 1940s when he organized and participated in campaigns that protested segregation in public transit. 🌟 Intersectional Activism Rustin’s activism wasn’t limited to racial justice. He was an outspoken advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and labor rights, recognizing the interconnectedness of struggles for equality. Later in his life, he fought for the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals and challenged discrimination within the movement itself. 🌟 Challenges Due to His Identity Despite his significant contributions, Rustin was often marginalized within the movement because of his sexuality. He was a target of political attacks, and his open identity as a gay man led to efforts to discredit him and the broader movement. Yet, Rustin remained steadfast in his activism, recognizing the importance of fighting for freedom and equality on all fronts. Rustin’s legacy has gained more recognition in recent years as scholars and activists have highlighted his pivotal role in shaping the Civil Rights Movement. His life serves as a reminder of the contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals in social justice movements and the power of nonviolent resistance in fighting systemic oppression. #BayardRustin #CivilRights #LGBTQHistory #Nonviolence #MarchOnWashington #SocialJustice #Equality