Unsung Hero

He was an unsung hero, unknown to many. He was a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but few people today have heard his name. He is written out of textbooks because he was gay. Apparently advocating for equality for all people overshadows the accomplishments made for Civil Rights. He stood for non-violence, organizing freedom rides and the March on Washington but since he loved another man no one knows about him. He was compassionate and loved to sing, and put everything he had into fighting for rights. He showed no fear of being harassed or beaten. Bruises were battle scars- victory scars, because he was fighting for something important. The time had come for the United States to change. A better life for African Americans was near. In a place where fear and unfairness dominated, he pictured everyone as equals. One day it would happen. Bayard Rustin knew.