House Resolution 1714
By: Representatives Cannon of the 58th, Park of the 107th, and Williams of the 168th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing March 17, 2026, as Bayard Rustin Day; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, Bayard Rustin Day is an annual, cross-generational celebration of the civil
rights icon, architect of the March on Washington, and unapologetic advocate for peace and
equality, Bayard Rustin; and
WHEREAS, a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Bayard Rustin played a pivotal
role in making nonviolent resistance a foundational principle of the Civil Rights Movement;
and
WHEREAS, he was the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and
Freedom, one of the most significant demonstrations in our nation's history; co-founded the
Congress of Racial Equality; and participated in the Journey of Reconciliation, an early effort
to challenge segregation in interstate travel; and
WHEREAS, held annually on his birthday, March 17, Bayard Rustin Day brings together
youth leaders, artists, and community members for a powerful afternoon of performance,
dialogue, and collective action.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize March 17, 2026, as Bayard Rustin Day in celebration
of Bayard Rustin's innumerable contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
public and the press.