Bayard Rustin outside the March on Washington headquarters in Harlem, NY
Bayard Rustin was given 57 days to organize the 1963 March on Washington. Reluctant civil rights leaders knew that he was the only person on the planet who could pull this off. To honor Bayard Rustin, Alan Marshall, the creator and librettist for “The March” will spearhead a 57 day campaign of education and outreach, with any and all opera companies who produce this project in the future. A meticulous, Bayard-style plan will be used to galvanize churches, schools and community organizations in support of the production. Mr. Rustin left us a blueprint for success. OPERA-ATION BAYARD RUSTIN will use it to serve art, history and humanity.