Bayard Rustin's voice resonates with timeless significance that refuses to be silenced or forgotten. His pivotal essay, "The Failure of Black Separatism," published in Harper's Magazine in 1970, remains a stirring and provocative piece that calls for introspection and dialogue even today. The question he posed over fifty years ago—should the movement for Black liberation strive for separatism or integration?—is a chord that still vibrates in contemporary discussions of race, identity, and justice.

Rustin, a master strategist and a key figure behind the scenes of the civil rights movement, was both celebrated and controversial. He was a man who stood firmly in the belief that the liberation of African Americans was inseparable from the broader canvas of human rights and that the struggle must be fought in the shared space of society, not in isolation.

"All Black Everything? Or Nah?" This is not just a rhetorical question but an invitation to explore the multidimensional layers of Black identity and experience in relation to the wider world.

In the spirit of Rustin, let's unpack this concept. The allure of "All Black Everything" lies in the affirmation of Black culture, solidarity, and community. It's a declaration of pride, a protective embrace, and a statement of self-determination. In its most positive light, it's the uplifting of a people and a culture that has faced systemic oppression and continues to fight for recognition and equality.

However, Rustin challenged this notion by suggesting that separatism could lead to a dead end. In "The Failure of Black Separatism," Rustin argued for a more inclusive approach, asserting that the goal of the civil rights movement should be to secure the conditions under which all individuals—regardless of race—could thrive. His viewpoint wasn't just about moral high ground; it was pragmatic. Rustin believed that economic, political, and social systems were deeply interconnected and that Black Americans could not—and should not—extricate themselves from the wider society in their pursuit of equality.

Today, we find ourselves in a world where these discussions are not just historical footnotes but living, breathing parts of our collective discourse. The call for spaces that are "All Black Everything," from businesses to social media communities, is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Black culture. Yet, the need for intersectional solidarity and broader societal change that Rustin advocated for is just as pressing.

As we revisit Rustin's words, we must ask ourselves: How do we honor the complexity of our identities while working towards a society that dismantles systemic racism and elevates diversity and inclusion? How do we balance the need for safe spaces that celebrate and protect Black culture with the imperative to engage with and transform the broader societal structures that impact us all?

Bayard Rustin was ahead of his time, and yet his time is now. The conversation he sparked is far from over. "All Black Everything? Or Nah?" is not a binary question—it's a space for dialogue, growth, and action. It's a call to remember that our fight for justice is bound to the fates of others who share this world, and our liberation is tied up with the liberation of all oppressed peoples.

As I navigate this terrain, I want honor Rustin's legacy by embracing both the distinct Black culture and its place in the global humanity. Let's walk the path of nuance, solidarity, and unapologetic commitment to justice, just as Rustin taught us, with our eyes on the prize and our arms linked with allies from every walk of life.

Oh, But definitly don't forget to call out performative support and activism...everybody ain't about that life.

Anneshia Hardy | The Hardy Exchange