Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

The life and legacy of Civil Rights pioneer Bayard Rustin is receiving renewed and well-deserved attention thanks, in part, to the new Netflix biopic. 
 

Given Rustin’s instrumental role in the Civil Rights movement, as a key organizer of the historic 1964 March on Washington, and a trailblazer for LGBTQ rights, it is high time he is recognized in the Pennsylvania State Capitol.  
 

A native of West Chester, Pennsylvania, Rustin’s vast and immeasurable contributions to social justice and the fight for equality have long been recognized and celebrated in my Senate District. As interest in his work and life grows, across the nation and around the world, it only makes sense for Rustin to be honored in some way in the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex.  
 

As a Quaker, Rustin is largely credited with introducing Dr. King to the concept of non-violent resistance – a core tenet of the Civil Rights movement that continues to inspire leaders and activists today. Later, Rustin devoted his life to global human rights causes and movements in Chile, El Salvador, Grenada, Haiti, Poland, Zimbabwe, India, Ghana, Nigeria, and Southeast Asia. 
 

Rustin’s work as the chief architect of the march and a close advisor to Dr. King was pivotal in paving the way for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. However, because he was openly gay – which in itself was an act of resistance at that time – his vast contributions were unfortunately overshadowed for far too long. Since his passing in 1987, Rustin has been honored by multiple presidents, including receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2013.  
 

As a member of the Capitol Preservation Committee, I understand our duty to restore, conserve, and preserve the artwork, architecture, and history of this one-of-a-kind building. That mission must also include our responsibility to elevate the long and growing list of unsung heroes, hidden figures, and other icons who have made vast contributions to the Commonwealth and our nation.  
 

A bust of Bayard Rustin placed in the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex is decades overdue and would be invaluable in broadening the understanding of his important role in our history.   
 

Please join me in in co-sponsoring this important legislation.