Image of Bayard Rustin speaking in a crowd

In celebration of Black History Month, Dean College is pleased to announce a special program to celebrate and reflect on the life and work of Bayard Rustin — a visionary activist and strategist described by TIME Magazine as “perhaps the most critical figure in the struggle for African American dignity that many people have never heard of.”

On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, Dean College President Kenneth Elmore will lead the discussion on Rustin’s life and legacy with two special guests: Walter Naegle, who was Rustin’s life partner; and Bennett Singer, a filmmaker who co-directed “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin,” an award-winning film about Rustin. Clips from the documentary will be interspersed throughout the conversation, and the full film will be available to view throughout the month of February. Click here to view. 

The event will take place at Marvin Chapel, inside Dean Hall on the Dean College campus, 99 Main Street, Franklin, Mass., from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Both Naegle and Singer will join the conversation with the community via Zoom, while Elmore will moderate the in-person discussion.

The event is FREE and open to students, faculty, staff and the general public.