Executive produced by Higher Ground’s Barack and Michelle Obama, RUSTIN will shine a long-overdue spotlight on the life and legacy of Omega Psi Phi brother and HBCU grad Bayard Rustin.

Rustin’s life was one of unwavering dedication to the civil rights movement. The film, which releases on Netflix on November 17 will explore his pivotal role in planning and organizing the 1963 March on Washington which brought together 250,000 people from all over the country. The largest demonstration of human rights to date.  As an openly gay Black activist, Rustin’s story has been overshadowed by more prominent figures in civil rights history, but he was indeed one of the greatest activists and organizers of his time. He dared to challenge the status quo, was unapologetically himself, and made an indelible mark on history.

Rustin attended two HBCUs as a student – Cheyney University and Wilberforce University. 

The film will also include portrayals of other D9 civil rights leaders and HBCU grads including:

• Ella Baker (Shaw University / Delta Sigma Theta)
• Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Morehouse College/ Alpha Phi Alpha
• A. Phillip Randolph ( Bethune-Cookman University/Phi Beta Sigma) 
• Coretta Scott King (Alpha Kappa Alpha)
• Roy Wilkins (Omega Psi Phi)

RUSTIN’s star-studded cast includes Chris Rock as Roy Wilkins, Glynn Turman as A. Philip Randolph, Jeffrey Wright as Adam Clayton Powell, Aml Ameen as Martin Luther King Jr., and several other talented actors and actresses. The film is directed by Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe and produced byAcademy Award winner Bruce Cohen.

Watch the trailer below:

“Rustin” will have a limited theatrical release on November 3 before streaming on Netflix starting November 17, 2023. The film’s release coincides with the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, making it a significant contribution to the cinematic portrayal of civil rights history.

In “Rustin,” a forgotten hero’s story comes to life, and it’s a story that promises to inspire, educate, and honor the legacy of a true civil rights pioneer. Mark your calendars; this is a movie you won’t want to miss.