We Are One: The Story of Bayard Rustin

by Larry Dane Brimner

Bayard Rustin dedicated his life to helping others—fighting injustices and discriminations—so that people could live as one. Protesting segregation long before there was a civil rights movement, he often was arrested for his beliefs and actions. As a nonviolent activist, Bayard made his mark working alongside many African American leaders, notably A. Philip Randolph and Martin Luther King, Jr. As an organizer, Bayard was largely responsible for bringing people together to walk for freedom and jobs in Washington, D.C., on that memorable summer day, August 28, 1963. With style and careful attention to history, Larry Dane Brimner captures a story of passion, courage, and triumph through Bayard's own words and archival photographs in this Jane Addams Children's Book Award winner.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Middle Grade, Picture Books, LGBT, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Larry Dane Brimner is the recipient of the 2018 Robert F. Sibert Award for the most distinguished informational book for children for his title Twelve Days in May: Freedom Ride 1961. He is known for his well-researched, innovative, and award-winning nonfiction for young readers, and is the author of multiple acclaimed civil rights titles, including Strike!: The Farm Workers' Fight for Their Rights; and Black & White: The Confrontation between Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth and Eugene "Bull" Connor.

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written and important portrait of one of the generally unknown heroes of the civil rights movement whose contributions were in many respects suppressed because of his lifestyle.

[Larry Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bayard Rustin was black, a Quaker, a pacifist, a nonviolent activist, a socialist, a homosexual, a follower of Gandhi, a teacher of and advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr., an accomplished singer and a primary organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. He was active with the War Resisters League, the Fellowship of Reconciliation and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference among many other social change organizations. His controversial life as a gay man and a pre1941 communist relegated him to a less public role in many of the causes he championed. In August 2013, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Bayard Rustin the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Since this is a children’s book all the details of Rustin’s life are not fully explicated in the text. In some ways this is disturbing to me since the fact that he was a gay man and a radical in many ways are key parts of his story. However, I want to say that the Author’s Note at the end of the book is several pages long and deals with the “controversial” topics in a forthright manner. His refusal to serve in the military is covered in the text. And, of course, much of his activism is about nonviolent civil disobedience so the author makes a good effort to meet him more than halfway!

The back cover flap of this 2007 book notes that Brimmer has written “almost 150 fiction and nonfiction books for children” so it would be fascinating to talk with him about how he goes about selecting material to include in a book meant for young people. I do want to say that, whatever the target audience, I found this book most interesting to read with the addition of many historic photographs.

I ordered this book online from www.alibris.com as a part of my effort to recognize the fiftieth anniversary of the August 28, 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, an event that moved me emotionally as I watched it on television from my suburban Detroit home when I was sixteen. I did not realize that it was a “children’s book” and am glad of that ignorance as I might not have bought this wonderful book if I had known.

My long participation in the War Resisters League (celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2013) and other pacifist organizations makes this a special book for me. I look forward to reading this five star book one day soon with my ten year old daughter.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We are all one. And if we don’t know it, we will learn it the hard way.” – Bayard Ruskin

“Bayard was a man of many dimensions – an intellectual, an organizer, a speaker, a singer, a stage actor, an artist, and a collector. Yet, it was his social activism and his use of Gandhian methods of nonviolence that most interested me.” – Larry Dane Brimner

This is the story of one of the lesser-known heroes involved in the Civil Rights Movement, a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Black and white photos. Provocative quotes.

[Rena · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only reason this didn't get a better rating is that it was not unbiased. Information books, especially those for children should have the facts. This clearly stated what side of the issue they were on. While I too would be on that side, it just didnt' leave any room for a new reader to decide on their own.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst the short narrative itself might deserve a rating between 3 and 4 stars (due to its short length and thus lack of detail) Bayard Rustin is one of the most overlooked people in US and world history. The 5 star rating comes from a place of conviction that his story should be heard by anyone and everyone. Just like the author of this little work, I stumbled upon Rustin more by coincidence than intend and was flustered and extremely touched by his remarkable impact on the civil rights movement and his infinite believe in love and non violent action. Alexis Pauline Gumbs' and Sangodare Wallace's Black Feminist Breathing Chorus reminded me of Rustin's belief that "the power of love is the greatest power existing." This sentence has become one of my most frequently muttered mantras in daily life. Bayard Rustin's life work is a gift that keeps on giving. In moments of fear it has given me hope, in moments of despair it has lifted me up, made me feel at home and provided me with life force ("love is life force" - June Jordan). I therefore recommend not just this essay, but urge anyone to dive deeper into his offering to find a place of heart opening love within that holds the power to radiate unity as a people into every pore of existence. Thank you Bayard Rustin!

[Davina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, really short book. This is the briefest introduction to a very important figure in the latter half of the Twentieth Century. It was worth getting the view of the man, rather than the glimpses which pepper so much of the literature on the Civil Right Movement. What a figure! A communist, African American, Homosexual, who choose prison over service in World War II! Yet, he appears to be quite brilliant and committed. I longer work must find its way on to my shelf soon.

[Kasey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think there is tremendous value in this book, as it discusses a person often overlooked in history. However, I wish the author had provided historical and contemporary context for the terms he used to describe African-American and black individuals within the text itself (and not just tacked on to the end of his author's note). As a gay woman, I also don't appreciate him describing a gay man as "a homosexual." I guess that's 2007 verbiage for you, but it doesn't mean I have to like it.

[Aprel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved all the information. I feel like I learned so much about a very important figure. The only thing that troubled me were the pictures of lynching and the actual photo of a man who has been stoned to death. The format makes it appear to be a children’s book, but I would not feel comfortable as a parent sharing this book with a young child considering those pictures. The information, however, is stellar.

[Margo Tanenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not familiar with Bayard Rustin, so this was a great introduction to an early civil rights leader who espoused non-violence and studied Gandhi even before Dr. King. Carefully researched with lots of archival photographs, this book covers a key period in US history through the lens of this important figure. Recommended for middle-school to adult.

[Edward Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good children's book.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade/interest level: 4-12
Reading level: 1120L
Genre: Biography

Main Characters: Bayard Rustin
Setting: Maryland, Washington, and other various cities
POV: 3rd pov

We Are One: The Story of Bayard Rustin is a biographical account of a little known organizer of the Civil Rights Movement. Bayard was raised by his grandmother. His mother gave birth to him as a teen and knew she was too young to give him the life he deserved. He believed his mother was his sister until the age of 11 when he learned the truth. Bayard was raised in the Quaker religion which helped his shape his values in finding peaceful resolutions over violence and hate. This biography discusses Bayard’s activism and the influence he had on more well-known African American leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This book ends by showing readers how integral Bayard was in organizing the March on Washington in 1963.

I would teach this book in my class because it gives students the opportunity to learn about a hero who received little recognition for the great work he did. When most people think about the Civil Rights Movement, they think of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. People don’t usually think of those people in the background who advised people like Dr. King or organized the major movements such as the March or Freedom Rides. I think it is important for students to see the Civil Rights Movement from every perspective and this biography provides a great deal of historical context and presents the main character in relatable light that children can learn from and relate to.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary (CIP): Captures a story of passion, courage, and triumph through Bayard's own words and archival photographs, and through spirituals and protest songs that Bayard often sang.

REVIEW: This well-written and well-laid out volume introduces an unacknowledged leader and ‘intellectual architect’ of the Civil Rights movement, Bayard Rustin, a nonviolent activist from Quaker background. Rustin began organized bus segregation test runs in the 1940’s, years before Rosa Parks; was Martin Luther King, Jr.’s main advisor on nonviolence; and organized the famous 1963 march on Washington, D.C. As Kirkus notes “[a]n excellent author's note matter-of-factly discusses Rustin's homosexuality, his early involvement with the Young Communist League and his pacifism and imprisonment during World War II, factors that made him controversial and a potential liability to the movement.” This work is a strong addition to civil rights literature for middle and high school levels.

SLJ: Starred Review.
"A gem for students studying the Civil Rights Movement and an excellent addition to any American history collection."

Kirkus Review: Positive.
"An effective mix of major historical events and small, telling anecdotes, along with the attractive photo-essay format, make this a fascinating volume, informative and well written."

[Debra Landay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bayard Rustin is an unknown hero of the Civil Rights movement. He believed in non-violence and respect of all people. He orchestrated and organized the March on Washington, 1963, and acted as a mentor to Martin Luther King. The book not only tells the history of one man, but in doing so, tells a great deal of Civil Rights History. Easy to read and appropriate for grades 6 and older.

[Catriona Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope lots of people read this book. Bayard Rustin was a very important civil rights activist. He deserves more attention. One reason he is not well-known is that he was gay. His political ties were also a factor (socialism, communism?). All the more reason we should learn about him.

[Melissa Prentice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biography of Rustin, a prominent (though less well-known by the mainstream) civil rights leader, is a study in life-long activism. The book does not shy away from the disturbing details of the civil rights struggle, but it still suitable for young readers.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winner of the 2008 Norman A. Sugarman Children’s Biography Award

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about a man I knew nothing about~

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even for children's book, I feel the author should have used some of the many powerful quotations from Rustin.

[Joan Arbogast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the subject; well written, wonderful layout, great back matter.

[Sha"Niyah Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it is really fantastic.
If you read this book it will teach you something.

[Tom Costello · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent presentation for young readers.