Watch Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin

Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin is a powerful and enlightening documentary about one of the most important figures in the American Civil Rights movement, Bayard Rustin. Released in 2003 and directed by Nancy Kates and Bennett Singer, the film provides an in-depth examination of Rustin's remarkable life and legacy, from his early days as a young activist to his pivotal role in organizing the historic March on Washington.

The film is structured around a series of interviews with Rustin himself, as well as with friends, family members, and colleagues who knew him well. Through these interviews, we get a sense of Rustin's incredible intellect, charisma, and courage, as well as his struggles with discrimination and persecution. We learn about his early years in Pennsylvania, where he began fighting for civil rights as a teenager, and about his experiences as a conscientious objector during World War II.

But perhaps the most powerful parts of the film come when Rustin discusses his work with Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders of the Civil Rights movement. Rustin was instrumental in organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and he played key roles in the planning and execution of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the March on Washington. But because of his homosexuality and his Communist sympathies, Rustin was often marginalized within the movement and subjected to harassment and abuse from both the government and his fellow activists.

Despite these challenges, Rustin continued to fight for justice and equality, both in the United States and around the world. He was a passionate advocate for nonviolence and for the idea that all people, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. And he was a tireless organizer and strategist, always seeking out new ways to challenge the status quo and bring about meaningful change.

Overall, Brother Outsider is a deeply moving and inspiring film that sheds new light on one of the most important figures of the Civil Rights era. Rustin's story is one of courage, perseverance, and commitment to social justice, and this film does an excellent job of capturing both the man and the movement he helped to shape. Whether you're a fan of documentaries, an admirer of the Civil Rights movement, or simply someone interested in the history of American activism, you won't want to miss this powerful and unforgettable film.

Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin is a 2002 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.