After winning two Grammy awards, an Emmy award, a Nobel Peace Prize and two political campaigns for the highest office in America, former President Barack Obama will debut his latest initiative this week in theaters.
In a 106-minute documentary, the first Black president of the United States is expected to introduce “Rustin” a biopic focused on the late Civil Rights activist Bayard Rustin who convinced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to use a non-violent approach in addressing America’s shameful atrocities.
“To see somebody who could bring the kind of strategic sense that helped to organize some of the seminal moments in early civil rights movements, to learn about someone like that, did inspire me,” the former commander-in-chief told CBS TV.
Himself, a renowned, former community organizer before venturing into the US Senate — as the representative from Illinois — the trailblazing leader added, “I never was able to organize as good as he organized! But it did get me thinking about my own role as somebody who could maybe work at a grassroots level and change the country from the bottom up.”
Bayard engineered and successfully formulated a March On Washington D.C. 60 years ago.
And although his name may not be inscribed in many history books, Bayard’s influence impacted change from the capital district where Dr. King faced a record number of 250,000 citizens privileged to hear his “I Have A Dream Speech.”
Myriads more watched probably for the first time learning of the injustices prevalent in the south.
Bayard’s pivotal role seems a footnote to American history.
However, while in office in 2013, President Obama presented a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom in Bayard’s name.
The highest civilian award of the United States was bestowed to Bayard Rustin on the 50th anniversary of the 1963 event.
The president reportedly stated then: “Today we honor Bayard Rustin’s memory by taking our place in his march towards true equality.”
Slated for national release in movie theaters and streaming services via Netfix on Nov. 17, “Rustin” delves behind the scenes to spotlight the individual who risked his reputation and identity in order to execute the great assembly.
Obama was only two years then but with his wife Michelle on the 60th anniversary will shine a spotlight on the unsung hero.
Together the trailblazing couple founded Higher Ground Productions in 2018 and are determined to inform the world about the elusive individual who orchestrated the game-changing event.
The documentary stars Colman Domingo in the principal role, and features Chris Rock and Jeffrey Richards with direction from George C. Wolfe.
When asked about his hope for the film the award-winning, former senator, twice-elected first Black president responded saying: “My hope is that he (Rustin) gets credit that is due to him.”
AFJ Gala guests alerted to adhere to COVID-19 protocol
The American Friends of Jamaica spared health risks in staging their annual fundraising event which benefits needy organizations on the island by issuing a cautionary message to guests interested in supporting their Hummingbird Gala at the Plaza Hotel.
Caron Chung, Executive Director of the AFJ dispatched the following note:
“Dear AFJ Friends:
We are mindful this is the cold and flu season. The scourge of COVID-19 still remains. We would ask anyone who has cold symptoms or is otherwise not feeling well to look toward next year’s Gala, stay home and take care of yourself.
Guests attending the Gala who may have concerns or are unusually susceptible to illness, please feel free to wear masks while attending the Gala. We will have hand sanitizers at each table for your convenience.
We look forward to celebrating the evening with you.
Catch You On The Inside!
