Bayard Rustin (; March 17, 1912 – August 24, 1987) was an American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights. He was born and raised in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was part of many organizations such as: Fellowship of Reconciliation, Congress of Racial Equality, War Resisters League, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Social Democrats USA (National Chairman), A. Philip Randolph Institute (President), and the Committee on the Present Danger.