Join Us On The Freedom Side

“Bayard Rustin was a freedom fighter and he taught us how to fight. And we gone fight all day and night until we get it right. What side are you on, my people what side are you on? We are on the Freedom Side.” - Freedomside by OnRaé LaTeal ft. Charlene Carruthers and BYP100.

Thirty-five years ago, we gained a powerful ancestor by the name of Bayard Rustin (March 17, 1912 - August 24, 1987). Rustin, a gay Black man, was the genius behind the 1964 March on Washington. You may not have heard of Bayard as he took a backseat due to his name being on several FBI lists based on his sexuality, affiliation with the Communist party and history of advocating for justice. No matter what, Rustin refused to stop fighting for justice.

Last year, when Community Renewal Society launched our LGBTQIA+ Faith, Race and Equity Issue Area, the Bayard Rustin Fellowship was established. Our current fellow is Kwyn Townsend Riley, who joined CRS in June of this year. Together with our open and affirming member congregations, CRS will increase shared vision of The Beloved Community, commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, healing and advocacy in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities.

In honor of the anniversary of the death of Bayard Rustin on August 24, CRS is launching Bayard’s Brigade to recognize the work of open and affirming member congregations and to assist others in connecting with these congregations. View Bayard’s Brigade here.
 
If your congregation is not yet a member of CRS and would like to learn about membership, reach out to Kwyn to schedule a meeting.