Bayard T. Rustin: the pragmatic Quaker and his political life

The course explores Rustin’s life and faith during his 50-year public life. We will examine Rustin’s words and deeds as a pragmatic Quaker who often relied on a broader ecumenical outlook – rooted in his “oneness of the human family” notion – to guide his community activism in dealing with the various injustices and inequalities facing marginalized groups in the U.S. and abroad.

As we read and discuss Rustin’s life and work, you will be encouraged to consider how and in what way your faith affords you a framework for public action. You will integrate your biography, textual interpretive reading experiences, and personal emotions to answer the above queries through weekly journaling and live discussion sessions.