Exhibition at National Civil Rights Museum explores legacy of Bayard Rustin

A new exhibition at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, titled “The Life of Bayard Rustin: Speaking Truth to Power,” highlights the significant role Bayard Rustin played in the Civil Rights Movement and his contributions to international peace and human rights efforts. The exhibit will run through December 31, 2025, and is set to become a permanent feature when the museum expands in 2026.

Curated by art historian Gay Feldman with photographs by David Katzenstein, the exhibition features materials from Walter Naegle, Rustin’s partner and director of The Bayard Rustin Fund. Items on display include original posters from events in the 1940s that connect Rustin’s pacifist and civil rights beliefs, as well as photos and descriptions of his work abroad. These highlight trips to India to study nonviolence with Gandhian leaders and to Africa to support independence movements. Personal artifacts such as album covers from his singing career with Josh White, jewelry, canes, and pieces from his collection of religious and African art are also presented.

A video interview between Naegle and Ryan Jones, Director of History at the museum, offers a personal perspective on Rustin’s life. One segment focuses on Julia Rustin, Bayard’s grandmother who raised him with civil rights values rooted in Quaker principles.

The phrase “Speak Truth to Power,” which serves as the exhibition’s title, refers to a pamphlet co-written by Rustin for the American Friends Service Committee in the mid-1950s. This concept became widely used within civil rights and social movements due largely to Rustin’s influence.

One section of the exhibit centers on materials related to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963—a pivotal event organized by Rustin. Artifacts include original plans for earlier marches leading up to this event as well as rare footage showing how specific demands were presented during the march. At its conclusion, Rustin read out ten demands focused on civil rights legislation and economic reforms such as guaranteed employment programs and fair labor standards.

The exhibition also notes areas where more context could be provided—particularly regarding Rustin’s partnership with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., their shared commitment to nonviolent action, and A. Philip Randolph’s foundational influence on both men’s strategies.

Rustin described Randolph's beliefs: “He has understood that social and political freedom must be rooted in economic freedom.” He continued: “Negro salvation is an internal process of struggle and self-affirmation… [Randolph] has recognized the political necessity of forming alliances with men of all races… [and] that social change . . . [depends] on direct political action through the mobilization of masses.”

During preparations for the March on Washington, Randolph said: "We want a free, democratic society dedicated to the political, economic and social advancement of man along moral lines. Now we know that real freedom will require many changes in the nation’s political and social philosophies and institutions... It falls to us to demand new forms of social planning... Negroes are in the forefront of today’s movement for social and racial justice because we know we cannot expect the realization of our aspirations through the same old anti-democratic social institutions..."

Following passage of major civil rights legislation under President Lyndon Johnson—including Medicare, Medicaid, food benefits programs like Head Start (which helped reduce poverty rates among students), Fair Housing Act implementation—Rustin continued advocating for broader economic reforms through proposals like “the Freedom Budget.” This initiative called for federal investment in jobs training programs alongside increased funding for education and health care.

Research published by scholars from organizations including the Albert Shanker Institute has evaluated K-12 school finance systems across all states plus D.C., providing comprehensive analysis about how funding affects student outcomes nationwide.

The exhibition aims not only to document history but also encourages visitors to reflect on lessons relevant today regarding democracy advocacy amid contemporary challenges.