Melinda Leiser

As a now retired Social Studies educator I had mixed feelings about the Netflix presentation of Rustin. Honoring Bayard Rustin for the many years he gave to Civil Rights movement in the U.S. is commendable. However, the omissions made in the final version of the film are crucial to learning and understanding the vast impact made by Bayard Rustin and significant others whose participations in The March on Washington continue to effect us today. The film gives little to no information about the role and impacts contributed by John Lewis, James Baldwin, Diane Nash, there a were a few mentions of the significance of roles played by women in the entire Movement. Belatedly honoring Bayard Rustin gives good information on his role in bringing Civil Rights to the frontline for so many people who know little to nothing about Bayard Rustin and what a phenomenal man he was. This film will be a great STARTING place for students and adults who are in familiar with Rustin and the March on Washington and the subsequent movements.