Honoring Bayard Rustin

This week, I presented Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 27 honoring the legacy of civil rights, labor and LGBTQ leader Bayard Rustin as we commemorate Black History Month.

Rustin was the right hand to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and played a pivotal role in the fight for equity, justice and good jobs. He was courageous in living his truth during a time of fear and intolerance, and this resolution ensures that his work is recognized across California and across our shared American history.

ACR 27 also supports the Bayard Rustin Commemorative Stamp Campaign, an effort partly led by Assembly District 51 resident and Echo Park community leader, Lauren Buisson. Rustin’s inclusion on the United States Postage Stamp properly acknowledges his contributions. Thank you to Lauren and Devin McCutchen, both of whom serve on the Echo Park Neighborhood Council, for their advocacy and for being present at our state Capitol for this presentation.

Assemblymember Carrillo stands with Devin McKutcheon and Lauren Buisson, Assembly District 51 community members after floor session on Feb. 25.

“He was a gay African American in an era where those qualities were impediments to functioning not only in the larger society, but also in the African American community. And yet he became the friend and confidant of Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King, Jr. and other Civil Rights leaders because he embodied unwavering commitment to equality and justice for every person.” - Assemblymember Shirley Weber, Chair of the Assembly Black Caucus

"Bayard Rustin is a civil rights icon, an LGBTQ icon and an American icon, whose powerful story is a reminder of the extent to which all of our struggles for equality and justice are linked. Recognizing his life and legacy is critical to ensuring that everyone dedicated to the fight for civil rights and social justice may be inspired by his example.” - Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur.

Thank you also to Equality California, California Legislative Black Caucus and the California Legislative LGBT Caucus for their support and commitment. I am proud to come together and recognize the unsung heroes who have shaped us to who we are today.

For full remarks, watch on our Facebook page.

In solidarity,