National Black Justice Coalition Congratulates Colman Domingo on Oscar Nomination for Portrayal of Civil Rights Leader Bayard Rustin
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HOLLYWOOD – This morning, actor Colman Domingo received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of civil rights icon and Black, same-gender loving man, Bayard Rustin, in the Netflix film, “Rustin.” Dr. David J. Johns, CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a leading Black LGBTQ+/SGL (same gender loving) civil rights organization, issued the following statement congratulating Domingo:
“We are delighted for Colman to receive his well-deserved flowers with this earned Oscar nomination, and congratulate him for his outstanding portrayal of Bayard Rustin, raising awareness of the civil rights icon and his unsung perseverance as a Black, same-gender loving man who helped architect the March on Washington and what many around the world practice as non-violent civil disobedience.
“This nomination highlights the importance of bringing stories of Black, LGBTQ+ leaders to the forefront, increasing representation in Hollywood, and educating audiences on the Black and Black Queer history that some states are actively working to erase.
“We applaud Netflix, the Obama Family, and all those involved with the film for the visibility this nomination brings to the beautiful diversity that has always existed within our community and for inspiring meaningful conversations about the rich history of Black LGBTQ+ leaders in the civil rights movement and beyond.”
In November, NBJC sent a letter, signed by fellow LGBTQ+, racial, gender, religious, and social justice allies, representing over 3.5 million members and supporters nationwide, to the United States Postal Service renewing their call for Bayard Rustin to be honored with a Black Heritage Stamp during Black History Month 2024.