RUSTIN
Screenplay by
Julian Breece and Dustin Lance Black
Story by
Julian Breece
A1 A1
EXT. SIDE STREET - MOS
A PETITE NEGRO GIRL, 15, is walking to school. During the
above--
GEORGE WALLACE (V.O./ARCHIVAL)
In the name of the greatest people
that have ever trod this earth, I
draw the line in the dust and toss
the gauntlet before the feet of
tyranny--
We see reflected in her DARKENED SUNGLASSES, a MOB OF ENRAGED
WHITE TEENAGE GIRLS yelling and cursing and threatening her.
GEORGE WALLACE (V.O.)
I say segregation now, segregation
tomorrow, segregation forever.
B1 B1
EXT. FRANTZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - MOS
A LITTLE BLACK GIRL, 6, is seen skipping down the street
carrying a book bag and wearing a neatly pressed pinafore
dress. During the above--
STROM THURMOND (V.O./ARCHIVAL)
I wanna tell you ladies and
gentlemen, that there's not enough
troops in the army to force the
southern people to break d own
segregation and admit the nigra
race...
As the LITTLE GIRL continues to skip, the CAMERA PULLS BACK
to reveal FIVE U.S. MARSHALS escorting her, followed by
NATIONAL GUARDS.
STROM THURMOND
...into Our theatres, into our
swimming pools, into our homes and
into our churches.
C1 C1
INT. LUNCH COUNTER
THREE TEENAGERS, two White, one Black, sit motionless, while
a GANG OF WHITE HOOLIGANS gleefully assault the m with
containers filled with condiments.
2.
LESTER MADDOX (V.O./ARCHIVAL)
That's part of American greatness,
is discrimination. Yes sir,
inequality I think breeds freedom
and gives a man opportunity.
CUT TO:
1 1
INT. NYC OFFICE - DAY (1960)
XCU ON: BAYARD RUSTIN, 48, handsome, regal, silver in his
hair, brow creased, listening.
ELLA (O.S.)
No more caution. No more delays.
RANDOLPH(O.S.)
Six years ago, Brown vs. Board of
Education became the law of the
land, yet there is nothing in the
Democratic platform addressing its
enforcement.
MARTIN (O.S.)
And the Republicans' platform is
better?
RANDOLPH(O.S.)
We plan on challenging them as
well.
ELLA (O.S.)
No free passes. Those days are
done.
MARTIN (O.S.)
So, you want me to lead 5,000
Negroes into Los Angeles, utilize
passive resistance to disrupt the
Democratic Convention, and a few
weeks later in Chicago, do the
same? I'm sorry, but I am not your
man.
Bayard rises and steps into the fray--with a swagger and
panache he owns. REVEAL: A. PHILIP RANDOLPH, a wisened 71,
and ELLA BAKER, early 60s, sharp and strong, sit across from
MARTIN LUTHER KING, 30, and not yet the King the world will
come to know.
3.
BAYARD
Who told you you're not 'our man'?
Were you not 'our man' when you
took command of the Montgomery Bus
Boycott? Or spoke with such 1B.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
eloquence the night your home was
bombed, or--
MARTIN
You are conveniently forgetting I
am now co-pastor of Ebenezer.
BAYARD
Meaning?
MARTIN
I cannot forswear responsibilities
to my community, my congregation--
BAYARD
(pointedly)
What about your responsibility to
your talent, your gifts?
Girding himself for the Rustin onslaught--
MARTIN
'Heavenly Father I am forever safe
in your hands.'
BAYARD
When C.L. first heard you speak, he
rang me and said: "Bayard, there's
magic going on down here." Do you
know what he saw? A star; the
heavenly kind. And when that star
starts to shine brighter than any
other, and bows to no man,
including the most powerful Negro
leaders who have come before, they
will do everything they can to
extinguish your light, and put you
in your place.
MARTIN
Chief, Mrs. Baker, I've received a
number of calls from prominent men
within The Movement who see no
wisdom in these protests; men with
whom I have a strong kinship.
4.
ELLA
Not once you leave the room.
Martin looks to Randolph, who concurs with silence.
BAYARD
Friend, one of my greatest joys is
watching you rise. The Lord speaks
through you. That direct line can
lead us into Los Angeles, where we
will most vigorously let Kennedy,
Johnson, and the entire Democratic
Party know, that unless they show
up for our people, our people will
not show up for them.
ELLA BAKER
Yes ! YES! Yes.
BAYARD
Do this, Martin, for the young, who
don't know which way to go. Martin,
own your power.
Martin starts out shaking his head in disbelief, and ends up
laughing and nodding in agreement.
A2 A2
INT. HARLEM - GREASY SPOON
Jam-packed. Bodies on top of bodies. Bayard and Martin
crowded together at a table.
BAYARD
Best grits ever.
MARTIN
Lest I remind you, I was born and
raised in Georgia. My mother was--
Once Martin takes a bite of the grits, he and Bayard both
crack up laughing. Bayard, right again.
As they eat--
BAYARD
I'm proud of you.
MARTIN
I'm proud you're proud.
BAYARD
-and how's my beloved Coretta?
5.
MARTIN
She's fine.
BAYARD
The kids?
MARTIN
The second I set foot in the front
door: "How's Uncle Bayard?"
"Where's Uncle Bayard?"
BAYARD
And the self appointed noble
Negroes of the NAACP? Roy?
Congressman Powell?
(laughs)
Can't wait to see what they have to
3A.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
say about us making the move on
L.A.
OFF OF MARTIN'S LOOK:
2 2
INT. PROTESTOR HEADQUARTERS - DAYS LATER
Th e same office, but there is now a vibrancy in the air. 'WAR
MAPS' of L.A.'S CONVENTION HALL fill the walls. Bayard is
standing before a group of DIVERSE YOUNG ACTIVISTS, who are
thrilled to see Martin Luther King by his side.
BAYARD
I am pleased and most proud to
announce that the Reverend Dr.
Martin Luther King, will be joining
us in Los Angeles--
The ACTIVISTS APPLAUD. As Bayard continues, his hand casually
rests on MARTIN'S SHOULDER and BACK.
MARTIN
...Where we will march on the
National Democratic Convention.
CUT TO:
6.
3 3
CLOSE ON ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL (INTO PHONE)
My convention! My party!
ON-SCREEN TITLE: Harlem Congressman ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL (CONT'D)
I've spent the past fifteen years
fighting Dixiecrats in Congress;
going after and winning every G.D.
thing from poll taxes to the right
to piss in the Congressional john.
INT. POWELL'S D.C. OFFICE / WILKINS' NAACP OFFICE
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL, 52, movie-star handsome, eloquent and
slick, is INTERCUT with ROY WILKINS, 59, authoritative, with
a hint of the grandiose.
ADAM CLAYTON PO WELL
How dare he take aim without first
reaching out to me.
ROY WILKINS
Had he reached out, would you have
said yes?
ON SCREEN TITLE: NAACP Executive Secretary ROY WILKINS
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
Hell no!
They share a LAUGH.
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL (CONT'D)
That short S.O.B. needs to stay
down South where he belongs.
With the SOUND of APPLAUSE--
4 4
PROTEST HEADQUARTERS
KING
In between your dedication, and my
brilliant friend here, how can we
lose?
Bayard launches into Oh, Freedom, his voice, melodious and
strong. Others join in. When Martin starts to sing--
7.
BAYARD
(in Martin's ear)
What say we leave the singing to
Coretta?
As the Two Men LAUGH--
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL (O.C.)
I blame Rustin.
5 5
ADAM'S OFFICE / ROY'S OFFICE
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL (INTO PHONE)
Ever since Montgomery, he's got
King thinking he's the second
coming.
ROY WILKINS
(INTO PHONE)
To hell with Bayard Rustin! 5.
ROY WILKINS (CONT'D)
(INTO PHONE) (CONT'D)
His attention-grabbing antics are
the exact opposite of how policy is
altered and laws changed. And let's
not mention the unmentionable.
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
I say say'it, and say'it loud!
6 6
PROTEST HEADQUARTERS - CONT'D
At the DOORWAY. As Bayard/Martin HUG GOODBYE--
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL (O.S.)
I'm phoning the good Reverend/
Doctor's office today. If they
don't call this shit off--
7 7
CLOSE ON ADAM--
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
...The world is gonna know the
truth about M artin Luther King and
his Queen.
(amused by his own wit)
And I don't mean Coretta.
8.
8 8
INT. A. PHILIP RANDOLPH'S APARTMENT
RANDOLPH (INTO PHONE)
Wyatt, Wyatt-- Congressman Powell
has done so much for Harlem; almost
as much as he's done for himself,
but this is a bold-faced lie and he
knows it! I'm fully aware Martin is
your boss as well as your friend,
but allow me to first speak with
Bayard, as it's certain to disorder
his soul most of all.
9 9
INT. PROTEST HEADQUARTERS / BAYARD'S CUBBY HOLE
BAYARD (INTO PHONE)
(en eruption of laughter)
Me? And Martin? No-no-no-no.
Brothers, yes. Friends for life.
Besides, he's not my type.
CLOSING THE DOOR to his small office--
BAYARD (INTO PHONE) (CONT'D)
Chief, you call it trouble. I call
it an opportunity. In response to
Powell's reckless accusations, I'll
write a letter, tending my
resignation. When Martin rejects
it, we will have triggered his
maturati on, forcing him to see who
wishes him well, and who does not.
...Because I know Martin. Sir, sir--
All will be fine.
10 10
INT. NAACP OFFICES
HOLDING A LETTER addressed to DR. KING, Bayard stands before
a conference table filled with NEGRO MEN IN SUITS, including
Roy. They frame Martin, which causes him to appear smaller,
younger, less in command.
BAYARD
I assumed it would just be the two
of us.
One of the Men EXTENDS HIS HAND. After a beat, Bayard GIVES
HIM THE LETTER, and watches as it is passed from HAND TO
HAND, until it reaches Martin. Once he's finished reading,
Martin forces himself to look Bayard in the eye.
9.
MARTIN
We thank you for your many years of
service.
11 11
INT. NAACP OFFICE HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
As Bayard makes his way down the Hallway, it begins to dawn
on him he's been ousted from the movement he loves, and by
his friend whom he also loves. Bayard starts to walk FASTER
and FASTER until--
CUT TO BLACK:
ON-SCREEN TITLE: RUSTIN
With the SOUND of a HISSING RADIATOR--
DISSOLVE TO:
12 12
INT. WAR RESISTERS LEAGUE - MORNING (JANUARY, 1963)
THREE YEARS LATER. A DULL ROOM filled with DULL WHITE FACES.
Bayard, thinner, haunted, is seated behind a desk, doodling.
The PHONE RINGS.
BAYARD
War Resisters League.
(instantly engaged)
How many? Yes sir, right away!
13 13
EXT. LOWER MANHATTAN / NYC - MORNING
It is a CRISP WINTER DAY. Bayard, wearing a regal coat and
Russian fur hat, is hustling his way past the EARLY MORNING
CRO WD, when--
VOICE
Bayard!
Bayard looks up and sees MR. MUSTE, 75, pale and patrician,
smiling/waving his arms. Behind him, THREE ELDERLY WOMEN
(white) block one of multiple entrances to an OFFICE
BUILDING. A WAR RESISTERS LEAGUE BANNER calling for an end to
Nuclear Weapons, hangs overhead.
BAYARD
(joining Muste)
When you said 3, I understood 300.
And no press to speak of, save your
nephew.
10.
Mr. Muste's NEPHEW-PHOTOGRAPHER waves.
MUSTE
You're here. They're here.
(calling out)
Ladies...
Pulling Muste in, confidentially--
BAYARD
I strongly suggest we cancel until
early next week, which will allow
time to stage a proper protest,
worthy of our--
MUSTE
I must kindly ask you again to not
undermine my authority. White
BAYARD
Sir, I assure you that was not my
intention.
MUSTE
(walking away)
Ladies, Mr. Ru stin will take over
from here.
Annoyed/turning on the charm--
BAYARD
Who's up for the adventure of a
lifetime; your picture in the Daily
News--
Wrapping his scarf around one of the women--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
...Hot coffee at the station?
MUSTE
And lest we forget, preserving the
planet and the lives of millions.
BAYARD
(helping the women sit)
All we have to do is take a seat,
and New York's finest will do the
rest.
As FO UR POLICEMEN APPROACH, the LADY IN BAYARD'S SCARF hands
it back to him and flees.
11.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
(to himself)
And then there were 3.
As the POLICE MOVE IN, so does the Nephew-Photographer,
SNAPPING PICTURES.
POLICEMAN ONE "helps" Bayard to his feet and leads him to a
waiting PADDY WAGON. POLICEMAN TWO does the same to Lady One.
When LADY TWO GOES LIMP, POLICEMEN THREE/FOUR carry her away.
BAYARD
(shouting to Muste)
A.J., coming along?
Bayard looks back and sees Muste taking the film from his
N ephew's camera and pocketing it. As the Paddy Wagon DOORS
ARE SLAMMED SHUT--
14 14
EXT. TWENTY-THIRD STREET - AFTERNOON (JANUARY, 1963)
The sun barely cuts through a hazy sky. Desperate for a
shower, shave, and still wearing the same clothes from his
arrest (three days ago), Bayard makes his way down 23rd.
Towering over him: PENN SOUTH, three middle-income apartment
buildings. On a nearby corner, a DRY CLEANERS. Bayard puts
out his cigarette and goes inside.
15 15
OMITTED
16 16
INT. PENN SOUTH / BAYARD'S APT. - MINUTES LATER
A two-bedroom filled with GOTHIC and AFRICAN ART. Once Bayard
steps inside, he LEANS AGAINST THE DOOR and CLOSES HIS EYES.
He's exhausted and deeply sad.
With the SOUND of RUFUS THOMAS' Walkin' The Dog, blaring on a
cheap Hi-fi--
17 17
INT. PENN SOUTH / RACHELLE'S ONE-BEDROOM APT.
A party is going full force. Bayard, wearing a smart suit,
African beads, looks as if he was headed to a more stylish
affair, but made a wrong turn and wound up here.
(Please Note: There is an energy in the room which suggests
at any given moment something rawer/more intense could erupt)
12.
As Bayard works his way through the MAZE OF BLACK BODIES/
FACES laughing/dancing/sweating/shouting--
GIRL ONE
I got a mama. I don't need no damn
NAACP tellin' me to be patient--
MAN ONE
I go south again, it's gonna be
with a gun in my hand and Brother
Malcolm in my heart!
ACROSS THE ROOM, Bayard sees TOM, 24, working-class handsome,
and one of the only two white kids in the room, downing cheap
beer and laughing with NORM, the 1963 version of a Negro
Nerd.
TWO DANCERS inadvertently shove Bayard in one direction. When
BLYDEN, 24, handsome, aggressive and more than halfway drunk,
GREETS/HUGS HIS BOYS, he shoves Bayard in another.
That's it. Bayard has had enough. Just as he is about to
leave, he spies RACHELLE, 22, smart/funny/tough (and the
other white person at the party), walking toward him with a
drink.
BAYARD
"For I ne'er saw true beauty till
this night."
RACHELLE
You talkin' to the vodka or me?
BAYARD
I take it there was some sort of
protest?
RACHELLE
It kinda got derailed, so I invited
everybody back here. You?
Across the room, Tom and Friends launch into a drunken
rendition of Howard University's Alma Mater.
BAYARD
(distracted by Tom)
We commandeered the entrance to a
building downtown, and mad e our
demands known.
RACHELLE
Tom's here.
13.
BAYARD
I hadn't noticed.
Turning his attention to CHARLENE, 19, edgy and petite.
Indicating her SNCC button--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Obscure fact about Miss Ella Baker,
an early champion of SNCC.
(confidentially)
She's Al Capone when it comes to
cards: Tonk, Bid Whist, Crazy
Eights.
(laughing)
You're marvelous and have
absolutely no idea who I am.
CHARLENE
(attitude)
Like you know what I know.
The second Bayard turns to go- -
CHARLENE (CONT'D)
Who's that?
18 18
THE KITCHEN - LATER
A BUNCH OF KIDS, including Tom and Norm, listening as TYRONE,
21, talks, his speech slightly slurred. Blyden stands beside
him. As Bayard eases into the kitchen for some ice--
TYRONE
Door's barricaded, tires slashed,
nnn-no escape. A fire bomb's thrown
inn-side, folks start screaming. We
finally get out. Onnn the ground,
can't breathe, when this white
man... "Buddy, you okay?" I nod. He
takes this pipe and hits me, over
ann-nd over.
TOM
I'm so sorry.
BLYDEN
Like we give a shit you're sorry.
Was probably one of your uncles or
cousins with that pipe.
14.
BLYDEN (CONT'D)
TOM
Raised in Brooklyn, go to Y'all listening to this?
school in D.C. Why would I Ain't-shit white boy talkin'
have cousins in Aniston, shit.
Alabama?
NORM
Tom isn't like that.
NORM (CONT'D) TOM
In choosing to attend a noted Norm... Norm--
Negro institution, Tom
abdicated being part of the
majority--
BLYDEN
Betcha these two are card carrying
members of Martin-de-Lawd's non-
violence jamboree. So let's play.
I' ll be the redneck.
Poking/punching Tom, with mounting intensity--
BLYDEN (CONT'D)
Beat you so bad your body starts to
scream. Beat you like they beat
Tyrone. Beat you till you calling
for your mama.
Tom snaps, slaps BLYDEN'S HAND AWAY. He and Blyden charge at
each other. Norm PULLS TOM AWAY, then BAYARD PULLS NORM,
until He and Blyden are FACE TO FACE.
BAYARD
I'm the one that's been preaching
passive resistanc e since before you
were born, so hit me.
TOM
Bayard, I can take care of myself!
On hearing Bayard's name, a light bulb in Blyden goes off.
BAYARD
The pacifist is opposed to using
violence, but must be prepared to
receive it, only aim left. A
policeman in '42 took care of the
right.
Bayard smiles, revealing a MISSING RIGHT TOOTH.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Symmetry.
15.
Bayard looks into Blyden's eyes and sees a wounded soul. When
Blyden looks into Bayard's, he sees a man without fear.
BLYDEN
I hear when King said git, you
tucked your tail between your legs
and swished away.
(backing away)
You're-- irrelevant.
Is that it? Bayard is privately amused.
BAYARD
It's Friday night. I've been called
worse.
As the tension begins to dissipate, Bayard looks around. Tom
is nowhere t o be found
19 19
INT. BAYARD'S APT. - LATER
Bayard, wearing only a bathrobe, is pouring himself a drink
when he hears AGGRESSIVE KNOCKING. The second Bayard unlocks
the door, TOM BARGES IN: amped-up, horny, desperate to get
rid of his edge.
TOM
So what are you gonna do? White
BAYARD
Offering up my face as a punching
bag to a would-be Sugar Ray wasn't
enough?
TOM
Forget Blyden. We're enemies until
he remember s we used to be friends.
I'm talking about the party.
Making Tom a drink--
BAYARD
A party is hors d'oeuvres,
laughter, Mambo for Latin Lovers on
the Hi- fi.
Tom, making himself at home, starts rummaging through
assorted drawers, nonchalantly creating chaos as he goes.
16.
TOM
Earlier today, a protest got
cancelled because nobody could
agree on the same chant. A fight
almost broke out!
BAYARD
Can I help you find--
TOM
It didn't used to be like that. Now
it's like that all the time. SNCC,
CORE, CORE East, the NAACP kids,
all fighting over agendas, slogans,
songs. And do you know who's
winning?
BAYARD
Something tells me I'm about to
find out.
TOM
Bull Connor in Birmingham, Str om
Thurmond on the Senate Floor.
Faubus, Talmadge, Maddox, Wallace,
while we all snap and snarl and eat
each other alive.
Once Tom finds what he's been looking for: rolling papers, he
kicks off his shoes and begins rolling a joint.
TOM (CONT'D)
(ribbing/flirting)
Mambo for Latin Lovers? You are
old.
BAYARD
(flirting)
Vintage. Intoxicating. Robust.
TOM
So what are you gonna do?
(laughing)
Stop distracting me. The Mo vement
needs you.
BAYARD
I already have a job. Mr. Muste--
TOM
Hates you because you possess
everything he does not: charm,
passion, a goddamn pulse.
17.
BAYARD
Thomas--
TOM
Don't call me Thomas.
BAYARD
...You've yet to learn it is unwise
to speak of that which you do not
know.
TOM
He treats you like shit to keep you
from getting 'uppity' and wanting
to quit.
BAYARD
I don't care if you were elected to
Howard's Student Council--
BAYARD (CONT'D) TOM
...There are words you are Bullshit. You know I would
not allowed to use. never--
TOM (CONT'D)
Why don't you admit you're still
hurt o ver what happened between you
and Dr. King, so you'll use any
excuse--
TOM (CONT'D) BAYARD
...Including working a job SPECULATIVE!
you hate, to avoid
recommitting to a cause you IRRATIONAL AND UNPROVEN!
love.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Just because you're smart about
some thing, doesn't mean you're
smart about everything.
TOM
I've got the right to an opinion!
BAYARD
And when it comes to my life, my
past, especially as it relates to
M artin, I've got the right to say
ENOUGH!
18.
The Two Men wind up seated next to each other on the bed. The
display of anger has also given way to desire. Tom lights the
joint.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
The last time I checked, that was
illegal.
TOM
The last time I checked, so were
we.
(Takes off his shirt)
I should go.
BAYARD
Your language suggests one impulse,
your actions another.
TOM
Your eyes don't seem to mind the
contradiction.
BAYARD
The best advice I ever got fro m Ma
Rustin: Never sleep on misery.
TOM
Then I guess we shouldn't sleep.
They KISS, begin to make love.
CUT TO:
20 20
INT. BAYARD'S APT. - SERIES OF IMAGES
A desk light SWITCHING ON; a SWIRL of CIGARETTE SMOKE as
Bayard draws a RECTANGLE on a white pad; BAYARD'S HANDS
taping a large piece of BUTCHER PAPER to the wall, and
drawing TWO RECTANGLES: one SMALL, the other LARGE. Much
larger.
21 21
INT. BAYARD'S LIVING R OOM
Bayard at his desk, smoking, scribbling notes, when Tom,
naked, sweetly places his head on Bayard's shoulder.
BAYARD
I've had an idea. Want to be my
assistant again?
TOM
Of course.
19.
Bayard eases away from Tom's touch, not out of cruelty, but
because his focus is elsewhere.
BAYARD
Get me the Randolph/Truman '48
folder; that trunk over there.
Tom recognizes this Bayard. Now that the warrior has been
roused, whatever intimacy from the night before is gone.
22 22
INT. BAYARD'S APT. - LATER
Tom (fully dressed) is seated on the couch, next to Norm,
Rachelle, Charlene (the party girl from SN CC) and ELEANOR,
22, articulate and poised. Bayard stands before them.
BAYARD
Thirty years ago, Gandhi walked to
the sea, picked up a handful of
salt and inspired a movement that
brought down an empire. The time
has come for us to do the same.
Using a marker, Bayard scribbles on the butcher paper, next
to the smaller rectangle: LINCOLN MEMORIAL.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
We are going to put together the
largest peaceful gathering in the
history of this nation, the world.
ELEANOR
How big?
BAYARD
100,000 people.
CHARLENE
Is he for real?
BAYARD
A massive two-day demonstration
with the power to shut down the
White House, and Capitol Hill, made
up of angelic troublemakers such as
yourselves, with actions so bold
and inspiring, the execution will
demand all groups draw tightly
together and become one. So let's
hear 'em--
20.
23 23
A SEAMLESS SMASH TO LATER--
There are now FIFTEEN KIDS, hereafter known as THE TEAM,
sitting on the couch/floor/windowsill. There are cartons of
takeout scattered about, and cups of deli coffee are being
passed around. BAYARD MOVES ABOUT THE ROOM, like a coach
amping up his team before the big game.
BAYARD
All your ideas. Talk! Shout! Take
command!
ELEANOR
What if we flood the offices of
every member of the House and
Senate, with delegates from church,
labor, civil rights--
Bayard gestures, 'keep going.'
ELEANOR (CONT'D)
...And in such numbers, the
Legislative branch will cease to
function.
BAYARD
(offering a marker)
"Flood Legislative Offices." Write
it on the wall.
As Eleanor does--
TOM
Impossible to train that many
lobbyists in--
BAYARD
No-no-no. Do not kill an impulse
before it's born.
The Other's mock/haran gue Tom.
NORM
Picking up on Tom's concern and
Eleanor's idea, what if instead of
lobbyists, they're constituents
from their respective states--
Bayard starts gesturing--
NORM (CONT'D)
...Who refuse to leave until
they've been heard!
21.
BAYARD
Now that's collaboration!
Offering the marker to Norm--
NORM
Technically it was an amalgam of--
The Team playfully harangues Norm. He draws on the butcher
paper a Capitol Building, and scribbles: "Constituents are
heard."
RACHELLE
(teasing)
Why can't you be collaborative like
Norm?
TOM
Shut up.
RACHELLE
(singsongy)
Somebody didn't go home last night.
BAYARD
Rachelle. How many bodies does it
take to surrou nd the White House?
RACHELLE
How many? Sorry, I thought that was
the setup for a joke. So you want
me to literally--
BAYARD
Day Two, we shall surround the
White House and serenade the
President.
(singing)
Ain't gonna let the President turn
me around/Marching up to freedom
land.
The Teams applauds.
CHARLES
What about sleeping arrangements?
D.C. has only so many Negro hotels.
CHARLENE
How about tents? You know --
BAYARD
A sea of tents; big and bold enough
to unify an entire movement.
22.
CHARLENE
Gimme that thing!
As Charlene draws TENT AFTER TENT...
BAYARD
And near the Lincoln Memorial, a
stage where the Head of every Civil
Rights organization can be heard.
ELEANOR
Why just the Heads?
The Room agrees.
BAYARD
More! More!
We're not done yet!
24 24
A SEAMLESS SMASH TO LATER--
BAYARD
We started with two rectangles, and
look--
The CAMERA TAKES IN The Team, TAKING IN THE MAP, now littered
with DRAWINGS/ PHRASES: Day 2 March, Stage for Speeches,
Surround White House Sing!, etc.
As Bayard continues, The Team hangs on to his every word.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
In order to make all of this real,
each night, I want you to imagine
these two days from beginning to
end; every problem that needs to be
solved, and every detail that must
be fixed. I'll be doing the same.
The work starts now!
The Team, most of whom only met today, spontaneously breaks
into small groups, arguing/debating, compl eting each other's
sentences. Bayard smiles as the ENERGY IN THE ROOM CONTINUES
TO GROW.
25 25
INT. A. PHILIP RANDOLPH'S APT. / HARLEM - MORNING
Bayard waits with a bouquet of roses. The DOOR IS OPENED by
A. Philip Randolph, now 73.
23.
26 26
INT. RANDOLPH'S APT. - SERIES OF IMAGES
ELLINGTON'S Satin Doll plays on the phonograph. Randolph
watches as Bayard and LUCILLE, 80, delicate, beautiful and
quite ill, dance together. Bayard whispers in Lucille's ear.
Her eyes and smile shine.
As the MUSIC FADES, Bayard pretends Lucille isn't saying
goodbye as HER FRAIL HAND gently pats his face.
Bayard watches as Randolph escorts Lucille to a chais e and
delicately kisses her on the lips. It's a level of intimacy
and love Bayard has never known, and fears he never will.
27 27
INT. RANDOLPH'S APT. - LATER
Bayard and Randolph having tea.
BAYARD
In '41, you called for a large-
scale march to protest
discrimination in the defense
industry, but then cancelled.
RANDOLPH
Roosevelt acquiesced to our
demands, as did Truman in '48.
(a source of pride)
Executive Or der 9981: The End of
Segregation in the Armed Forces.
BAYARD
The time has come for another
March.
RANDOLPH
I can't. Not now. If Lucille makes
it past the summer...
BAYARD
We honor her by doing the work we
have always done; the work the two
of you did together.
Randolph subtly nods, i.e., he's listening.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
I can handle all the grunt work:
building a grass roots operation,
rally the young. But when it comes
to the old guard: Whitney, Jim--
24.
RANDOLPH
Roy.
BAYARD
Especially Roy, I'm considered a
pariah. I need you, otherwise this
march will never take flight.
28 28
INT. NAACP OFFICES - HALLWAY
An energized Randolph and Bayard are walking down the
hallway. Tom follows after, carrying copies of The Plan.
RANDOLPH
No matter what Roy says or does, I
need you to behave.
Annoyed by the word 'behave'--
BAYARD
I do not have issues with Roy. It's
Roy has issues with me.
Off Randolph's look--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
But in deference to both you and
the cause, I shall sit in a corner
and smile.
29 29
INT. NAACP OFFICE / CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Roy is seated at the head of a conference table, framed by
FOUR LIEUTENANTS, middle-aged Blac k Men who wear their
'Racial Respectability' with pride. Also at the table, MEDGAR
EVERS, 37, intelligent, compassionate, and ELIAS TAYLOR, 29,
handsome, self-effacing.
Randolph sits opposite Roy, and true to his word, Bayard is
seated in a corner, away from the table with the 'Lesser
Staff': Secretaries, assistants etc. Roy has just finished
scanning "The Plan."
ROY WILKINS
And so, after a day spent flooding
the Capitol and encircling the
White House, so that the President
of the United States cannot get in
or out of his own home, our
intrepid protesters would retire to
tents, which now cover the National
Mall. Day One.
25.
Randolph confidently smiles. No one else does.
ROY WILKINS (CONT'D)
Chief, do you plan on pulling
'this' together yourself?
RANDOLPH
As we all know, there is only one
person capable of organizing an
event of this scale.
From his corner, Bayard smiles/waves.
ROY WILKINS
Bayard, I was under the impression
you were busy serving-- I mean
saving white people from the bomb.
BAYARD
I go where needed.
ROY WILKINS
As opposed to when asked.
(to Randolph)
If memory serves me, this is your
third attempt at--
BAYARD
He did not-- Did he just say
'attempt'?
ROY WILKINS
Do you have something to say?
BAYARD
No, except 'attempt' is hardly a
word I'd used to describe the
actions of a man who single-
handedly is responsible for
integrating both the armed forces
and defense industry, but--
ROY WILKINS
Mr. Randolph, I was about to ask if
t his was once again a ruse to get a
sitting president to yield.
RANDOLPH
No, we intend to march.
MEDGAR
Roy?
26.
ROY WILKINS
Yes, Medgar?
MEDGAR
Most of our folks in Mississippi
have never been outside of their
hometowns, so the opportunity to
march with people from all over--
BAYARD
There you go!
MEDGAR
...Will afford them the chance to
discover, not only are they not
alone--
BAYARD
He gets it!
MEDGAR
...But are engaged in a struggle
far greater than they ever dreamed.
BAYARD
(shaking his hand)
Thank you, Brother Evers.
R OY WILKINS
Let just one Negro breathe wrong,
and the entire D.C. Police
Department will explode. White
BAYARD
And the world will bear witness.
ROY WILKINS
Chief, what size crowd are you
projecting?
RANDOLPH
100,000 people.
The Room explodes in disbelief.
ELIAS
Mr. Wilkins, forgive me but that's
impractical.
Bayard looks over and sees one of the handsomest men, ever.
27.
ROY WILKINS
Elias is from Alabama. A field
organizer. Perhaps you have facts
to substantiate your claim.
Elias pulls out a paper. Bayard/Randolph share a look.
ELIAS
(reading)
Previous D.C. Demonstrations: In
1913, 8,000 Suffragettes. In '26,
25,000 Klu Klux Klan. The Prayer
Pilgrimage in '57, 30,000. And in
1932, 42,000 Veterans marched and
were attacked with tear gas and
tanks.
ROY WILKINS
Who led the attack?
ELIAS
The military.
ROY WILKINS
And the Veterans' race?
ELIAS
White.
ROY WILKINS
White boys.
Case Closed. But not for Bayard. He rises, straightens his
posture and a FAUX ENGLISH ACCENT finds its way into his
mouth.
BAYARD
Young man, your facts are correct,
but your sense of history is not.
Those 42,000 men marched on
Washington D.C. because it was the
Depression, and after dutifully
serving their country, found
themselves without jobs, and homes,
and food to feed their families.
And when they took to the street
and were attacked, the world did in
fact bear witness. Gandhi brought
an empire to its knees--
ROY WILKINS
Will someone please tell this man
this in not INDIA!
(MORE)
28.
ROY WILKINS (CONT'D)
For decades The NAACP has been
getting Negroes out of jail. All of
a sudden, they want to stay in and
sing songs. And now you are
proposing a 100,000 Black folks
invade Washington D.C. Have you
talked to Martin about this?
BAYARD
(nonchalant)
I lost his number, he lost mine...
ROY WILKINS
Dr. King, who hasn't lost my
number, has come to understand that
mass lobbying is sheer madness.
BAYARD
Brown v. Boar d is the crowning
glory of this organization, yet all
across the South, when Negro
children sleep, they see 'Whites
Only' signs instead of their
dreams. Counting on the courts to
eradicate racial inequity, that's
madness.
ROY WILKINS
Mr. Randolph sir, you are a giant
among men, but when it comes to
this--
(i.e., The Plan)
The NAACP says no.
Roy/His Lieutenants go. Medgar follows, but not before giving
Bayard's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
30 30
INT. NYC OFFICE BUILDING / MEN'S ROOM - MINUTES LATER
Bayard is at a urinal. Elias enters. Though there are a dozen
urinals, he unzips at the one next to Bayard. Silence, then:
ELIAS
"When an individual is protesting
society's refusal to acknowledge
his dignity, his act of protest
confers dignity on him."
BAYARD
Why are you quoting me, to me?
ELIAS
You're an inspiration.
29.
BAYARD
Inspiration untethered from action
loses all value.
ELIAS
Who said that?
BAYARD
I did. Just now.
Bayard zips up and moves to the sinks. So does Elias.
ELIAS
I agree with Mr. Evers. At its
core, your idea has potential. I
would have spoken up, but it wasn't
my place.
BAYARD
It wasn't your place to voice
support, but it was to help tear it
down?
Bayard's had enough. As he turns to go--
ELIAS
Your march is possible without The
NAACP, but not without Dr. King,
and Mr. Wilkins knows it.
Not so self-effacing after all. Bayard finds himself
intrigued, not only by the observation, but the man as well.
ELIAS (CONT'D)
Elias Taylor. You looked like you
were about to ask.
BAYARD
I was about to ask something, but
it wasn't that.
ELIAS
(laughing/embarrassed)
I was warned-- Whatever you want to
say, you just say it.
BAYARD
Doe sn't everyone.
ELIAS
No. Most people are modest,
cautious, afraid.
30.
BAYARD
So do it. Say what you are thinking
right this second. No caution, no
fear.
Bayard waits. He's not backing down. Elias wants to, even
tries to, but can't. Sensing Bayard's had enough--
ELIAS
(blurting out)
My wife is in town through Saturday
night.
When a White Man enters, Elias deliberately brushes against
Bayard's body and leaves.
31 31
INT. NYC OFFICE BUILDING / LOBBY - CONTINUOUS
When Bayard emerge s from the bathroom, CLAUDIA TAYLOR, 26,
calls out, her smile lighting the way. Tom watches from a
distance.
CLAUDIA
Mr. Rustin! Claudia Taylor.
BAYARD
Have we--
CLAUDIA
Years ago. I volunteered for the
Women's Political Council during
the bus boycott. You spoke, and my
spirit soared. Elias!
Elias is talking to one of Roy's Lieutenants when Claudia
waves him over. Tom takes in Elias' sheepish approach.
CL AUDIA (CONT'D)
Have you two met?
BAYARD ELIAS
Just now-- Earlier.
CLAUDIA
Mr. Wilkins chose Elias to
coordinate efforts between national
and regional branches. Until he
takes over my Daddy's church.
(reassuring Elias)
It's only a matter of time.
31.
BAYARD
I have no doubt, Mr. Taylor, you'll
continue to impress your lovely
wife's father. And such a vocation
holds great rewards, celestial and
worldly.
CLAUDIA
A heavenly calling indeed, but once
Daddy says yes, I expect a Lincoln,
just like my Mama's.
They all LAUGH. Only Claudia is fully sincere.
BAYARD
I hope to see you both again very
soon. Perhaps on the Sabbath?
CLAUDIA
Sadly, no. I leave Saturday .
Wouldn't that have been a dream.
Bayard and Tom exit the building.
A32 A32
EXT. NYC OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
TOM
Careful.
Tom throws a look at Elias, who throws a quick look in
Bayard's direction.
BAYARD
I asked you to be my assistant, not
"Mrs. Rustin." That is if you still
want the job?
TOM
Yes, of course. Yes. Yes. Yes.
Before leaving the building, Bayard throws Tom a kiss, a la
Dinah Shore: "Mawah!" Tom laugh s.
B32 B32
EXT. RANDOLPH'S APARTMENT BUILDING - EARLY EVENING
The sun has just set in Harlem.
32 32
INT. RANDOLPH'S APT. - EARLY EVENING
Lucille's Wake. FAMILIAR FACES milling about: Roy, Medgar,
etc.
32.
Bayard and Randolph stand before the MANTLE as ALTER:
photographs, mementos, etc, celebrating Lucille/Her life with
Randolph.
RANDOLPH
Years ago, we started a Shakespeare
Society. Fighting racial tyranny by
day, reciting 'What a piece of work
is man' by night. Why is it no
matter how hard you try, it's never
enough?
BAYARD
The day I came by and we danced, I
told her about the march. The light
in her e yes.
LATER: Bayard OPENS THE DOOR to go--
ELLA
Mr. Rustin, I see that you have
arisen.
BAYARD
You're merely witnessing the
walking dead.
ELLA
Don't make me embarrass my mama at
such a solemn affair. Call me back.
34 34
INT. 8TH AVENUE BAR - SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Bayard and Elias are seated at the bar; a few MEN AND WOMEN
scattered about. On the jukebox: DORIS DAY.
BAYARD
The first time Martin invited me
into his home , there were guns
everywhere, underneath the sofa,
inside the chiffarobe, guards on
the front porch. Understandably so,
given all the threats being leveled
at his family and him. I started
talking to him about passive
resistance, and how our bodies are
the strongest weapon we have. Over
time, all the weapons went away.
33.
ELIAS
So Dr. King's stance on non-
violence, he got from you?
BAYARD
By way of Jesus Christ, Ghandi,
Thoreau.
ELIAS
He trusted you?
BAYARD
I always told him what I knew to be
true.
(to Bartender)
Vodka, water and--
(to Elias)
How about a Manhattan? After two,
you'll be a changed man.
ELIAS
In that case, gimme three. No-no,
just one please, thank you. Thank
you.
35 35
INT. 8TH AVENUE BAR - JUMP TO LATER / EVENING
Tip sy now, shirts loosened, Bayard and Elias haven't moved.
The bar is fuller: WOMEN AND MEN.
ELIAS
The man's asthmatic, can barely
walk or breath, but the second he
hits the pulpit--
(combustive energy)
"The end of the world is at hand!"
Bayard laughs.
ELIAS (CONT'D)
I'm gonna burn in hell.
BAYARD
For sharing how you feel?
ELIAS
For not revering a man who welcomed
me into his home, and hates my
guts, and I feel the ex act same way
about him!
(taking a large gulp)
You're bad. You're good. I'll have
another. Do you want--
34.
Bayard signals for another round.
BAYARD
The church...your dream or hers?
ELIAS
I have always wanted to serve the
Lord. You were raised--
BAYARD
Quaker.
ELIAS
No!
BAYARD
My parents, who were really my
grandparents, raised me after their
daughter, my mother, flew the coup.
ELIAS
So... the rumors about you and Dr.
King?
BAYARD
An ugly lie perpetrated by Adam
Clayton Powell to stop a planned
protest. He threatened to share his
lie with the press. I called
Martin's bluff and resigned. He
accepted, effectively ended my
connection with The Movement.
ELIAS
Why would Reverend Powell do
something like that?
BAYARD
Months later, Reverend Powell was
made Chairman of the House
Committee on Education and Labor.
Not saying the two are related but--
ELIAS
So, where is your resentment?
BAYARD
Martin is a gift from God. I
beli eved it then. I believe it now.
Sensing Bayard's sadness, Elias is about to place a hand on
Bayard's shoulder, but instead discretely touches his knee.
35.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
You're okay in here. At this hour.
With his hand still resting on Bayard's knee, Elias looks
around. The bar is now filled ENTIRELY WITH MEN; the windows
covered, a Doorman stands guard.
36 36
INT. 8TH AVENUE BAR - A JUMP TO LATER / NIGHT
Bayard/Elias at the bar, facing each other. Drunk, mostly. On
the jukebox: Instead of Doris, LITTLE JIMMY SCOTT.
ELIAS
It's drilled into you, the day
you're born: "They think you're
less than, so you've got to be
better than."
BAYARD
Yes. Yes.
ELIAS
"Everything you do reflects on the
race." "Be charming, be perfect, be
polite."
BAYARD
The suffocating chains of Negro
respectability. When I told Ma
Rustin I preferred dancing with
boys instead of girls, she said
"What would you have me do with
that?" And then she said "I suppose
that's what you need to do."
The sense of intimacy between them is absolute.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
When Martin speaks, he holds
nothing back. That's what people
feel when they hear him: truth. So,
tell me, Elias Taylor, how can you
preach salvation, and you don't
want to save yourself? How can you
speak about love, when your flesh
is disconnected from your heart?
37 37
EXT. 8TH AVENUE - NIGHT - LATER
Walking, weaving in and out of shadow and light--
36.
BAYARD
(laughing)
And when Roy said, "So Elias, can
you substantiate your claim," and
you pulled out that piece of paper.
I hope the two of you didn't think--
ELIAS
Teach me how not to be afraid.
Elias kisses Bayard, gently. When Bayard moves in for more--
ELIAS (CONT'D)
Good night.
Elias smiles, walks away.
38 38
INT. WAR RESISTERS LEAGUE / BAYARD'S OFFICE - DAY
Bayard is at his desk, drawing the TWO RECTANGLES, when he
hears--
FEMALE STAFFER (O.S.)
Lord, no. No!
Bayard looks up and sees the Staff, gathered around a TV:
COPS with DOGS and FIRE HOSES attack BLACK CHILDREN/TEENS.
MALE STAFF (JIM)
Shame on Reverend King. He had to
have known what would happen,
sending those poor children to
march the streets of Birmingham.
BAYARD
A man in uniform unleashes attack
dogs, turns a fire hose on the
innocent, and the first wo rds out
of your goddamn mouth are "Shame on
Reverend King."
JIM
Bayard, I see no reason for you to--
Trapped inside an anger he can't control--
37.
BAYARD
You see this and think 'those po'
Negroes down south,' incapable of
understanding they are beyond
powerful, because today they
discovered a bravery they never
knew they had, and a bravery you'll
never know.
Muste enters, undetected.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
You sit behind that desk, as you
have sat for over thirty years,
convincing yourself you are
committed to saving the world, when
the only thing you're commi tted to
is your own safety and superiority.
MUSTE
Bayard, enough! Raging against Jim
because of the color of his skin.
BAYARD
I'm not raging against Jim because
of the color of his skin. I'm
raging at him for being arrogant
and ill-informed. The fact that he
happens to be white while doing so,
well that's between him and the
Lord.
MUSTE
Every day we agree to surrender
that which makes us different, so
t hat together we might forge a more
humane world.
BAYARD
I can't surrender my differences.
The world won't let me. And even if
I could, I wouldn't want to. Not
today.
When Muste sees Bayard grab his coat--
MUSTE
Where are you going? What are you
doing?
BAYARD
Sarah, Sarah, Agnes, Jim.
When Bayard turns to go--
38.
MUSTE
You must stay here where I can
protect you, from the world, and
from yourself. You are a man of
exceptional skills and keen
intellect--
(confidentially)
...But until you admit to your
anger at being abandoned by your
parents, which is why you became a
homosexual, to hurt them and hurt
yourself, you will never be fully
whole, not as a man, and not as a
person committed to saving the
world.
BAYARD
Mr. Muste, sir, have you ever been
to a Negro church?
MUSTE
Innumerable times.
BAYARD
As a Quaker, I'd never seen
anything like it; the hand-
clapping, singing, shouting. It
felt like exalted rage. And so
instead of staying here and saying
something I might regret, I'm going
to leave. And this coming Sunday--
Bayard stomps/claps in a fit of anger and praise.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
...I'm going to church!
A39 A39
EXT. PENN SOUTH - NIGHT
Push-in on Bayard's apartment.
ELLA (O.S.)
So, this young preacher working for
Roy--
39 39
INT. BAYARD'S APT. - LATER THAT EVENING
Bayard is pouring Ella another large glass of wine, as they
share a home-cooked meal.
39.
ELLA
...I hear he's so fine, the Lord
cried when he made him.
BAYARD
I have no idea to what or to whom
you are referring.
ELLA
And what happened to whatshisname,
the pale one-- Tom? Is that more
your flavor?
BAYARD
I am drawn to beauty, black-white-
indeterminate. So long as they're
passionate and smart. Why is
everyone so obsessed with what I am
doing and with whom?
ELLA
I'm just curious as to why it took
you so long to return my calls?
BAYARD
Because, my dear Miss Baker, you
casually ask questions which cut to
the core of one's soul.
ELLA
So, why you aren't you on a bus to
Atlanta tonight?
BAYARD
I'm not wanted in Atlanta.
ELLA
A reason that has nothing to do
with pride.
BAYARD
Because I do not care! Besides, Dr.
King is doing just fine.
ELLA
Albany, Georgia? You call that
doing just fine?
BAYARD
(instantly ir ate)
Who, who tries to integrate an
entire town?
(MORE)
40.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Your focus must be singular: a
lunch counter, a bus boycott.
Thinking he had another Bull Connor
on his hands. Sheriff Pritchett
undermined every media-savvy move
Martin made. As a result, the
Southern Civil Rights struggle got
swept off the front pages of The
New York Times.
ELLA
(with a knowing smile)
Thought you didn't care?
The PHONE RINGS.
BAYARD
I don't! I of course care about the
cause-- And some where deep inside,
Martin-- More so Coretta and the
kids-- Which is not to say--
ELLA
You're embarrassing yourself.
Answer the phone.
BAYARD
Yes?
(to Ella)
Turn on the TV.
Ella flips his TV on. Seated in the Oval office, Kennedy is
delivering an address (archival):
PRESIDENT KENNEDY (ON TV)
--The fires of frustration and
discord are burning in every city,
North and South. Where legal
remedies are not at ha nd, redress
is sought in demonstrations and
protests which create tensions and
threaten violence and lives. We
face, therefore, a moral crisis as
a country and a people. It is a
time to act--
BAYARD
Words. Nothing but--
ELLA
Shh.
41.
PRESIDENT KENNEDY (ON TV)
Next week I shall ask the Congress
of the United States to act to make
a commitment it has not fully made
in this century to the proposition
that race has no place in--
Bayard turns the TV off.
ELLA
On your own, you and Martin are
fine. Together, you are fire. He
needs you to help him figure out
what's next. And you need him to
nationalize this march. And if you
dare bring up that damn job as an
excuse--
BAYARD
This afternoon, I quit, or took a
leave of absence, or--
ELLA
Good! A shark trapped in a shot
glass! I never bought for one
second Powell's lie, but I do
believe he saw the power you and
Martin have together, and it
threatened him; threatens them all.
Leveling her focus, so that Bayard dares not look away.
ELLA (CONT'D)
This country has failed us, over
and over. Even so, each day, we
forgive by fighting to make things
right, yet you can't forgive Martin
for failing you one time.
Bayard finds himself emotionally overwhelmed.
ELLA (CONT'D)
I tell you, this new generation is
restless, and angry. Are you going
to let that anger turn to blood,
our children's blood, or will you
harness it, with Martin, for our
freedom?
So go, go win back your friend.
42.
40 40
EXT. SWEETWATER, TN BUS TERMINAL - DAY
A LINE OF PEOPLE waiting to board a GREYHOUND BUS. Just as
BAYARD is about to climb on board--
FLASHBACK:
41 41
INT. BUS TERMINAL / SWEETWATER, TN - DAY (1942)
WHITE FACES keep turning around in their seats, to gawk and
scorn. The object of their contempt: BAYARD RUSTIN, early-
30s, seated, his gaze locked forward. A few rows back, a
sign: COLORED , indicating a SECTION OF SEATS behind him.
When a WHITE GIRL, 3, reaches for Bayard--
MOTHER
(pulling her hand back)
Don't touch that nigger.
Two POLICE OFFICERS step onto the Bus.
OFFICER
Git on back now.
BAYARD
I cannot move.
BUS DRIVER
You walked past me and sat there.
BAYARD
If I move, this child will never
know an injustice is taking place.
The Two Police Officers begin to hit and shove Bayard.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
I am not resisting. Why are you
A CRUSHING BLOW SENDS BAYARD TO THE GROUND, and the two
Officers DRAG HIM OFF THE BUS.
42 42
EXT. SWEETWATER, TN BUS TERMINAL - MOMENTS LATER (1942)
The Cops KICK/BEAT BAYARD SEVERELY. The Mother watching from
her window is aghast. Bayard lifts his head. As a BILLY CLUB
comes down hard--
SMASH BACK TO:
43.
43 43
INT. BUS / SWEETWATER, TN BUS TERMINAL - DAY (1963)
Bayard moves down the aisle, past the White Section. He spies
a FOLDED NEWSPAPER, and grabs it. The HEADLINE staggers him:
MEDGAR EVERS SHOT DEAD.
44 44
EXT. MLK'S ATLANTA HOME - HOURS LATER
Riddled with apprehension, Bayard finishes his cigarette and
RINGS THE BELL. The door opens to reveal: CORETTA KING, 36,
beautiful and warm. They hug.
BAYARD
Coretta.
CORETTA
Bayard, as I live and breathe.
(ushering him inside)
When did you get into town?
45 45
INT. MLK'S HOME - CONTINUOUS
BAYARD
Within the hour.
CORETTA
You must stay for dinner.
BAYARD
You best ask the maste r of the
house.
CORETTA
There can't be a master without
slaves, and in this house there are
neither.
BAYARD
Show me the little ones at once!
46 46
INT. MLK'S ATLANTA HOME / KITCHEN - LATER
With baby BERNICE in his arm, Bayard "helps" in the kitchen
while playing with YOLANDA, 8, MARTIN III, 6, and DEXTER, 2.
BAYARD
So, Madame Coloratura, Carnegie
Hall? I know some folks who know
some folks.
44.
CORETTA
You haven't been here ten minutes--
BAYARD
Yolanda, Dexter, did you know your
mama is a great singer?
Bayard gestures for Coretta to start singing. When she scoffs
at the notion--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
I'll go first.
CORETTA
Of course you will.
BAYARD (SINGING)
This little light of mine, I'm
gonna let it shine.
CORETTA/BAYARD
This little light of mine, I'm
gonna let it shine.
CORETTA
This little light of mine, I'm
go nna let it shine. Let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine!
BAYARD
Everybody now!
BAYARD/CORETTA/KIDS
Jesus is the Light, I'm gonna let
Him shine!
ON: Martin as he walks through the FRONT DOOR.
IN THE KITCHEN:
The "concert" is in full swing. Bayard
casually acknowledges Martin when he sees him standing in the
doorway, but keeps right on singing.
BAYARD/CORETTA/KIDS (CONT'D)
Jesus is the Light, I'm gonna let
Him shi ne! Let him shine, let him
shine--
BAYARD
Fortissimo! That means loud!
45.
BAYARD/CORETTA/KIDS
Let him shinnne!
47 47
INT. MLK ATLANTA HOME / LIVING ROOM - THAT NIGHT
Bayard follows Martin into the room and closes the door. It
is the first time they have been alone together in three
years; the energy between them, stilted/awkward. Martin
gestures. They sit.
BAYARD
So...Brother Medgar.
MARTIN
Unspeakable.
BAYARD
When's the funeral?
MARTIN
Next Wednesday. Corrie and Myrlie
have been in t ouch. What did you
make of Kennedy's speech?
BAYARD
Calculated, cautious. Hours later,
Medgar gets shot.
MARTIN
So, your march. Ambitious.
BAYARD
Unless we demonstrate unity and
strength, Kennedy will do what
they've all done before: champion
legislature destined to be doomed.
MARTIN
A March for jobs doesn't address
our concerns down here.
BAYARD
Then call it a March for Jobs and
Freedom. This was not an ea sy
journey for me, but the promise of
what this march could become--
(with mounting passion)
...The monumental impact it could
have, the lives it could radically
alter, the dreams, visions and
unfulfilled aspirations of our
ancestors at long last realized,
the, the--
46.
MARTIN
(laughing)
The first time we met, I remember
calling Corrie and saying, "This
Rustin fellow's a little crazy in
the head." Only later did I fully
comprehend 'a little' didn't come
even close. I've missed you,
friend.
BAYARD
And I, you.
The awkwardness gives way to two minds working as one.
MARTIN
Come fall, the Dixiecrats will get
to work gutting Kennedy's bill,
which leaves us roughly--
BAYARD
...T wo months to pull off the
largest peaceful protest ever, and
absolutely no time for anything
else.
MARTIN
Such as?
BAYARD
Succumbing to blackmail, innuendo
and lies, which are sure to follow,
if and when the march is announced.
MARTIN
(gingerly)
And what of the things about you
that are true?
BAYARD
What you see I cannot conceal. But
I swear to you, there will be no
new incidents.
The Two Men share a look. Bayard lights a cigarette.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
So...
MARTIN
So...an epic demonstration in the
nation's capitol, organized in 8 to
10 weeks, and without the support
of the NAACP?
47.
BAYARD
Sounds like a helluva good time.
Martin laughs. They both do, joyful and free.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
You once said "The time is always
right to do right."
They look at each other. After a long, thoughtful beat--
48 48
INT. ROY'S OFFICE/BAYARD'S APARTMENT
Roy in HIS OFFICE, is INTERCUT with Bayard in HIS APARTMENT,
watching MARTIN ON TV. Bayard is beaming. Roy is not.
MARTIN (ON TV)
We are calling for a nonviolent,
pe aceful March on Washington. We
intend to go there, not by the
hundred, or the thousands, but by
the hundreds of thousands. The time
is now. We shall be free.
49 49
INT. NAACP CONFERENCE ROOM - THAT SAME DAY
ELIAS (INTO PHONE)
(covertly)
Now that Dr. King has publicly
endorsed the march--
50 50
EXT. NAACP HEADQUARTERS - DAY
Randolph, Bayard, Norm and Tom watch as Roy, moving at a
brusque pace and followed by a p arade of ASSISTANTS, enters
the building.
ELIAS (O.S.)
...Mr. Wilkins can't attack it, so
he's coming after you.
Elias follows Roy. He and Bayard share a quick look, which
Tom catches. Martin approaches.
MARTIN
This should prove interesting.
Chief, after you.
As Randolph/Martin enter the building, CLEVE ROBINSON, mid-
50s, a bear of a man, with a large personality and a Jamaican
accent, appears.
48.
CLEVE
Brother Rustin!
BAYARD
Cleve, what are you doing here?
CLEVE
When I heard about Roy and his
little coup-d'tete-a-tete, I
decided to show up and provide
support, moral and--
(his fists)
...Otherwise.
BAYARD
Norm, Tom, meet the indomitable
Cleve Robinson, Union Leader of
District 65.
CLEVE
And newly appointed Chairman of the
March's Administrative Committee--
Off of Norm and Tom's look--
BAYARD RUSTIN
And i ts first donor.
A WHITE COUPLE casually glances in their direction.
CLEVE
Guess they've never seen proud
Black men before.
(calling out to them)
"Glorious shall be the battle when
the time comes to fight for our
people and our race."
NORM
(sotto voce)
The man's a human hand grenade.
CLEVE
Black gents and Tom, shall we?
51 51
INT. NAACP CONFERENCE ROOM
The Big 6 are seated around the table: Urban League's WHITNEY
YOUNG, 47; CORE's JIM FARMER, 43; SNCC's JOHN LEWIS, the
youngest, 23; plus Randolp, Martin and Roy.
There are a number of ASSISTANTS, as well as Elias, Cleve,
Norman and Tom. Bayard presides.
49.
BAYARD
I realize a total budget of 65,000
dollars might seem like a lot--
WHITNEY YOUNG
Chief, there's a rumor going around
you intend to hold the march this
summer.
JIM FARMER
Way too soon!
Others agree. The energy feels mutinous.
BAYARD
(above the fray)
While the horror of Birmingham is
still fresh in the nation's mind,
we must seize the moment and--
MARTIN
Bayard, if I might.
Addressing the room--
MARTIN (CONT'D)
We all heard the President announce
on national television he's sending
a bill to Congress. It is my
personal estimation, and Chief,
please feel free to contradict,
that in order to get this bill past
the southern segregationist, it
will take a president with
intelligence, political savvy and
passion.
The Entire Room is hanging onto Martin's every word.
MARTIN (CONT'D)
Kennedy has the first two in
abundance, b ut not the third; not
when it comes to civil rights. And
so to make sure he does not relent,
we must not relent in our
commitment to this country, and to
the race. And that is the reason
for the timely nature of this most
improbable, yet most essential
endeavor.
RANDOLPH
I couldn't have said it better
myself.
50.
Seeing the impact Martin just had--
ROY WILKINS
Who are all these people? I did not
cut short my Regional Conference to
meet with everybody's seconds the
thirds.
(indicating the Big 6)
You, you, you, you, and you, stay.
Everybody, out!
CLEVE
I am Chairman of the Administrative
Committee, and to date, the march's
only donor.
ROY WILKINS
Much appreciated. OUT!
CLEVE
Go ahead! Vote yourselves outta
history!
BAY ARD
(ushering him out)
Come along, Cleve.
CLEVE
I'd be happier doin' it without
you, you showboatin' blood-suckin'
sons-of-whores.
Once they are gone: DOOR SLAM.
52 52
INT. 6TH AVENUE BAR - MINUTES LATER
Bayard is seated at the bar, Cleve and Norm on either side of
him, while Tom paces. Bayard is calm. The others are not.
CLEVE
(annoyed with Bayard)
Just sitting there, like some toad?
NORM HILL
I am so disappoint ed in Mr.
Wilkins.
TOM
You do realize what's happening,
right this second?
51.
BAYARD
My guess is, Roy is starting to
build his case against me.
INTERCUT: BAYARD AT THE BAR & THE MEETING ROOM:
Bayard narrates what we see in the meeting room:
ROY WILKINS
We must ask ourselves, is this the
man we wish to see labeled 'Mr.
March on Washington.'
BAYARD (AT THE BAR)
John Lewis and the Chief will
defend me.
ROY WILKINS
He was a member of the Young
Communist League--
RANDOLPH
Which he renounced years ago.
ROY WILKINS
...Imprisoned for refusing the
draft.
JOHN LEWIS
A moral decision, not a cowardly
one.
BAYARD (AT THE BAR)
Even so, Roy will press on.
ROY WI LKINS
His mannerisms and reputation make
him an easy target. And when the
White press and powers that be take
aim, and they will, every single
person seated around this table
will also be in the line of fire,
because of him.
A DEADLY SILENCE.
MARTIN
Whatever we decide, we must do so
with humility and respect.
JIM FARMER
Chief?
52.
OFF Randolph, carefully considering his next move.
53 53
INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL / BAR - MINUTES LATER
Bayard sees Randolph walking toward them.
RANDOLPH
What date is strategically wise for
a march?
BAYARD
We'll need at least eight weeks.
RANDOLPH
Monday, August 26th?
BAYARD
Mondays will be challenging for
protestant Ministers, and Fridays
complicated for our Jewish friends.
TOM
I'm sorry sir, but what happened in
t here?
MR. RANDOLPH
They voted to remove Bayard as
Director.
CLEVE
Son-of-a-bitch!
RANDOLPH
And my first order of business was
to reappoint him as my Deputy
Director, putting him fully in
charge.
BAYARD
You can call me Trash Collector for
all I care. I only wish I could
have seen Roy's face.
Indicating Tom's stunned expression--
MR. RANDOLPH
Looked a little like Tom's does
right now.
CLEVE
(hugging Bayard)
You'r e one clever black bastard!
(MORE)
53.
CLEVE (CONT'D)
Can't put a thing over on you. Are
you sure you're not Jamaican?
As the sense of celebration/relief continues, Randolph places
both hands on Bayard's shoulders--
RANDOLPH
Get to work.
54 54
EXT. 130TH STREET/HARLEM - DAY (1963)
A residential block. VIBRANT. KIDS PLAY, TEENAGE GIRLS dance
to TRANSISTOR RADIOS. OLDER MEN PLAY DOMINOES while WOMEN
GOSSIP and LAUGH. A YOUNG BOY looks up. HIS POV:
A CARAVAN of P EOPLE as it turns onto 130th Street, with
Bayard as the Pied Piper, followed by The Team which has
grown to roughly 19. They are joyful and energized, and carry
portable typewriters, lamps, fans, office supplies, etc.
Cleve is part of the procession, as is DR. ANNA ARNOLD
HEDGEMAN, 64, sophisticated and fierce, and COURTNEY, a
handsome young recruit.
The whole street watches as they make their way down the
block before entering 170 West 130th, a neglected brownstone,
soon to be known as--
55 55
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS/2ND FLOOR - MINUTES LATER
A LARGE OPEN SPACE, a BANK of WINDOWS at the FRONT and BACK.
BAYARD
Our new offices. The third floor is
uninhabitable, so we'll all be on
top of each other down here.
YVETTE
Dirty.
BAYARD
Keen observation.
(he hands her a broom)
Over here--
He flings open a BACK WIN DOW and indicates a COURTYARD below,
overgrown and littered with junk.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Our boardroom.
54.
CLEVE
(to Norm)
Nice.
BAYARD
Rachelle, you'll be in charge of
transportation.
RACHELLE
For a hundred thousand people? I
can't even drive.
BAYARD
My faith in you and your compulsive
nature knows no bounds. Norm,
you'll travel from city to city,
raising funds and spreading the
word.
NORM
What's my budget?
Sticking a $20 bill in his pocket.
BAYARD
This'll get you to your first city,
where you'll raise enough to g et
you to the next.
(Calling out)
My office!
DR. ANNA
Near the front door. Is that wise?
BAYARD
I'd like to welcome a woman who
needs no introduction--
Dr. Anna gives Bayard a look. She wants an introduction.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Educator, activist, and the first
Negro woman to serve in a New York
City cabinet position, Dr. Hedgeman
has volunteered to lead outreach to
all religious organizations.
DR. ANNA
There shall be two lists: one for
those who support us, and one for
those who do not. Over time, those
who are opposed shall be shamed
into surrender.
55.
Charlene throws a "I'm-scared-of-her" look.
BAYARD
Tom, Eleanor, you'll oversee all
written documents. First up, an
invite to a July 2nd meeting with
the Big 6.
The room erupts with objections.
DR. ANNA
All those oversized hats to fit
their oversized heads.
BAYARD
We need their numbers and
resources. And they are each
loaning us two employees.
CLEVE
Spies!
BAYARD
If this uneasy alliance is ever
going to wor k, we've got to figure
out how to live under one roof.
Going down a line, hurling orders, then moving on before
anyone can object--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Courtney?
COURTNEY
Yes sir.
The others mock his formality,
BAYARD
You're coming with me to D.C.
(standing next to Cleve)
If we expect to engage a hundred
thousand people, we'll need a phone
on every desk, and someone to get
them on the cheap.
CLEVE
Look no further. I'm yo ur man.
BAYARD
Rachelle, two sisters from SNCC
will be moving in with you sometime
tomorrow. Tom--
(confidentially)
(MORE)
56.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Instead of finding a place in the
city, you'll stay in my spare room;
keep me focused and out of trouble.
TOM
Bayard, we tried this and--
BAYARD
Norm-Tom-Charles, around the
corner, Johnson's Mortuary. See if
they'll lend us chairs. Now.
(they go)
By the time I get back tomorrow
night from D.C., this "dump" needs
to be operational.
56 56
EXT. THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL / WASHINGTON D.C.
A STUNNINGLY CLEAR SKY. Baya rd and Courtney are climbing the
LINCOLN
MEMORIAL STEPS when Bayard turns to take in: the REFLECTING
POOL and the WASHINGTON MONUMENT beyond it.
REVEAL: CHIEF WELLS and FIVE MEN, all white, standing atop
the steps. A tiny reception for such a grand idea.
BAYARD
(warmly smiling)
One can't help but be in awe.
COURTNEY
Makes you want to believe.
Chief Wells steps forward, wearing a smile void of warmth.
BAYARD
Bayard Rustin, Deputy Director of
The March on Washington for Jobs
and Freedom.
CHIEF WELLS
(as they shake)
Chief Wells.
Rattling off names, without any indication who is whom--
CHIEF WELLS (CONT'D)
Messrs. Caldwell and Murray,
Deputies Walden, Cowell and Barnes.
57.
BAYARD
Who's with National Park Service?
CHIEF WELLS
No one.
BAYARD
If I'm not mistaken, The Mall falls
under NPS jurisdiction?
CHIEF WELLS
Correct.
BAYARD
Chief Wells, in little under seven
weeks' time, a monumental, two-day
event is--
CHIEF WELLS
One day. It's no longer a two-day
event.
BAYARD
According to whom?
CHIEF WELLS
Mr. Wilkins of the NAACP also
believes it should be one day.
BAYARD
(the faux-accent is b ack)
It'd be safe in assuming you do not
work for Mr. Wilkins?
CHIEF WELLS
(amused)
No, I do not.
BAYARD
Neither do I, so I'm confused as to
why you mentioned his name. I am
however very interested in knowing
who you do work for, and if they're
the person who also believes the
march should be one day?
CHIEF WELLS
(with a smile)
Mr. Rustin, we've found what works
best is for you to answer our
questions, not the reverse.
58.
BAYARD
And I've found a free flowing
exchange of information and ideas
works even better.
CHIEF WELLS
When you put on an event in your
mall we'll give that a go, but
seeing as it's your gathering in
our mall--
BAYARD
Your Mall? Not The National Mall,
or America's Front Yard, or The
People's Mall.
CHIEF WELLS
Mr. Rustin, since you insist on
raising your voice--
CHIEF WELLS (CONT'D) BAYARD
...And appear more invested I haven't raised my voice.
in constructing roadblocks Courtney, have you heard--
instead of finding solutions, Roadblocks! The person I need
then I fail to see how we can to communicate with the most
support in a substantive way, didn't BOTHER TO SHOW UP!
your gathering. Gentlemen--
As Wells/ The Men descend the Memorial steps--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Where are you going?
(to Courtney)
Where are they--
Charging down the steps after them--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Sir, we have yet to discuss bus
arrivals, drinking fountains...
The Men continue on their way.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
(calling after them)
And it is not a gathering! It is an
act of civil disobedience,
organized and sanctioned by some of
the most meaningful minds in the
country. And it is going to take
place...
The Men are now too far away to hear--
59.
BAYARD RUSTIN
...Over two days.
Bayard is left standing in the middle of the steps, trying to
make sense of what just happened.
BAYARD (O.S.)
I tell you Martin--
57 57
INT. TELEPHONE BOOTH - UNION STATION/MARTIN'S STUDY
Bayard seated in a phone booth, his hand positioned outside
of the booth doors, smoking, is INTERCUT with Martin at home.
BAYARD
Not since Tennessee, when those two
policemen set out to reconf igure my
face, have I experienced such an
overt display of disregard. They
had one goal: to make sure the
meeting was a resounding failure.
MARTIN (INTO PHONE)
You say he mentioned Roy?
BAYARD
Yes, but it was clear this was
coming from some place higher up.
MARTIN
The President and Attorney General/
brother Bobby higher up, or Hoover
and the FBI higher up?
Looking around before answering--
BAYARD
All of th e above.
Silence, as both Men realize the weight of Bayard's response.
MARTIN
Corrie's calling me to dinner.
We'll talk tomorrow.
BAYARD
Give her a hug.
Bayard hangs up and just sits there.
60.
58 58
INT. RACHELLE'S APT. - THAT NIGHT
Sonic and visual chaos abounds. While Chubby Checker, sans
sound, dances the twist on TV, and MARTHA AND THE VANDELLAS'
Heatwave blasts on the Hi-fi, Southern sisters JOYCE, 18,
DORIE, 19, spirited and tough, are in the kitchen serving
soul food piled high on paper plates, to Tom, Eleanor and
Rachelle. Bayard, still reeling from his day in D.C., sits in
a corner, nursing a glass of wine.
RACHELLE
Dorie, Joyce, I swear I have never
tasted anything this good in my
entire life. Have you, Tom?
Tom nods to the beat and keeps chewing. They all LAUGH.
ELEANOR
Wait a minute. You're the one who
started the riot.
DORIE
Girl, you know how white people
are. Three Negroes on a corner and
it's a riot. No offense.
Rachelle gestures, `none taken.'
Tom is too busy eating to respon d. When Bayard hears
LAUGHTER, his sullen mood begins to lift.
JOYCE
After Mr. Evers' funeral, we were
all standing around, numb, unable
to move.
DORIE
So I started walking, and folks
started singing, and the walking
turned to marching, and singing to
shouting. And when the police
showed up and got all white, we got
real colored real quick!
ELEANOR
For an instant riot, just add
Dorie.
The OTHERS laugh/ch eer her on.
JOYCE
(bringing him a plate)
Mr. Bayard, you knew our mentor,
Mr. Evers.
61.
BAYARD
Call me Bayard. He was a good man,
and an early supporter of the
march.
TOM
You're not gonna be with us in
Harlem?
DORIE
I'll be downtown, at SNCC. But
Joyce will.
BAYARD
(To the room)
I have a question.
Rachelle turns down the music.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
What got you each started?
JOYCE
Well--
BAYARD
Don't be nervous.
JOYCE
...When I was 10, Dorie 11, we were
at the corner store, when this
white clerk came up from behi nd and
grabbed Dorie's breast.
DORIE
So I grabbed a box of donuts, and
beat him upside his head.
JOYCE
We ran home and told our mama and
she said, "You shoulda killed him."
We've been marching ever since.
ELEANOR
For me, it started with our fathers
fighting Aryan racism in Germany
and then coming home to Jim Crow
laws. They started NAACP chapters,
and we are their children; the
first generation to grow up knowing
how to organize and fight back.
JOYCE
Tom?
62.
TOM
He already knows my story.
DORIE
We don't.
TOM
Shortly after I was born, my mother
left me at a Foundling Hospital.
JOYCE
Jesus wept.
TOM
I sometimes think my sense of
social justice was born of being an
outsider in an adoptive family. I'm
also here because my father worked
with the unions, so I'm very
passionate about building
coalitions. That's about it.
RACHELLE
The first adults to make me feel
good a bout myself were my 5th grade
teacher and 7th grade librarian;
Negro women who demanded I read
something other than comic books,
and let me check out books from the
grown- up section. And then Emmett
Till happened.
ELEANOR
(a punch to her stomach)
Umph!
RACHELLE
And seeing kids my age being spat
on integrating Central High--
DORIE
Don't get me going.
RACHELLE
...I joined the Students for
Democratic Action, and once we got
to college-- Tom and I went to the
same high school, we volunteered at
this office run by Bayard, who
taught us about The Movement, and
what books to read. He'd sing and
he was just so-- Remember, Tom?
Tom nods, moved. Taking in each of their faces--
63.
BAYARD
After the day I had in D.C., thank
you.
59 59
INT. BAYARD'S APT. - LATER
Bayard is alone. His PHONE RINGS.
BAYARD
Hello?
FAINT BREATHING. He hangs up. It RINGS AGAIN.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Hello?
BREATHING. He hangs up, puts a MAHALIA JACKSON RECORD on the
Hi-fi. The phone RINGS AGAIN! He turns Mahalia up so loud, he
can't hear the phone.
The SOUND of a POUNDING KNOCK startles Bayard. He looks over
and sees the CHAINED DOOR, PARTLY OPENED. It's Tom.
Letting him in/turning down the volume--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Sorry.
TOM
Sorry. Are you alone?
BAYARD
Never when Mahalia is around.
Drink?
TOM
I should probably...
BAYARD
So, those sisters.
TOM
Such heart.
BAYARD
(indicating a drink)
I made you one anyway.
TOM
Bayard--
64.
BAYARD
(moving in)
No one has to know.
TOM
When I was five, my mother told me
she was taking me back to where she
62.
TOM (CONT'D)
found me. Along the way, she
sobered up and we went back home. I
begged her to tell me what she'd
meant. She never did. Eight years
later, I found my adoption papers.
I hate secrets, and I won't be
yours.
Tom goes into his room and closes the door. Just when the
loneliness is about t o devour Bayard--
EXT. A SIDE STREET (26TH) -
60 60
MINUTES LATER
Bayard, exhausted/restless, is walking down a DARKENED STREET
when he sees, on the OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET, A MAN-IN-
SHADOWS. The cruising begins:
The Man walks toward Bayard, slows down. Bayard does the
same. The MAN STOPS. So does Bayard. It's all in BAYARD'S
FACE: desperation, trepidation, desire. Just when the Man is
about to cross the street, Bayard's caution/paranoia sets in,
and he quickly walks away.
61 61
INT. ELIAS'S ROOM / SRO - LATER
Bayard sits in a chair, his sleeves rolled up, trying not to
laugh at Elias, who is mid-sermon and using inflections/
rhythms which are the antithesis of who he is.
ELIAS
And GAWD will shine his light down
on you. He will LIFT YOU UP in your
time of sorrow, for as the good
book says: SUFFER NOT little
children, unto me.
65.
BAYARD
(laughing)
I'm sorry, but what the hell was
that?
You sound like some 87-years-old, jack-leg preacher from
Backwoods, Mississippi.
ELIAS
(hurt)
I apologize for wasting your time.
BAYARD
(cornering Elias)
I wanna see you not your asthmatic
father-in-law, or whoever the hell
you think you've got to be to
appeal to his congregation. 63.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
(getting even closer)
I wanna see your hurt, your heart.
Martin holds a PhD from Boston
University. He's impassioned and
political and a mama's boy, and
over time he has learned to not
apologize for any of that!
With HIS HANDS on ELIAS'S CHEST--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Try it again, and this time , I
wanna see you.
The energy between them emotional/vulnerable/sexually
charged. And in that moment, Bayard understands: the first
move, if there is going to be one, must come from Elias.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
That's all for tonight.
Bayard grabs his coat and goes.
62 62
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS - DAY
The office is ALIVE: PHONES RINGING, TYPEWRITERS CLACKING,
MIMEOGRAPHS SOUNDING. Dr. Hedgeman watches as the GIRLS
HANDLE THE PHONES-- ELEANOR
March on Washington, Michelle RACHELLE Yes, yes, this is
Harwood, How may I help you? Michelle Harwood.
66.
CHARLENE JOYCE
47 people in Chattanooga? Yes Michelle Harwood speaking.
ma'am. Michelle Harwood. There's a bus leaving First
Baptist Church on-- Yes
ma'am.
DR. ANNA
Who is Michelle Harwood?
JOYCE
Anyone involved in travel is
Michelle Harwood. Keeps it simple
when they call back. Bayard's idea.
Dr. Anna looks over and sees BAYARD'S CLOSED DOOR.
63 63
INT. BAYARD'S OFFICE
Bayard is listening intently to John Lewi s, the youngest
member of the Big 6, Southern and full of heart.
JOHN LEWIS
The President kept talking, mostly
about himself; how if anything goes
wrong at the march, it's gonna kill
his bill, and why protest at the
White House, especially after his
speech and his bill.
BAYARD
What was Roy's response?
JOHN LEWIS
Nodding mostly.
BAYARD
Whitney and Jim?
JOHN LEWIS
Watching Martin, who was listening.
And then the President's brother--
BAYARD
The Attorney General was there?
JOHN LEWIS
...Kept saying we should cancel,
call the whole thing off. And
that's when Mr. Randolph stood up
and said "Mr. President, we are
going to march on Washington.
(MORE)
(MORE)
67.
JOHN LEWIS (CONT'D)
The people are restless. The Black
masses are restless. We are going
to march."
BAYARD
And this took place in the Oval
Office?
JOHN LEWIS
Three days ago.
64 64
EXT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS / BACK YARD - MINUTES LATER
The overgrown vegetation has been cut back to reveal concrete
slabs onto which a circle of chairs has been placed. The Big
6 are all present. Bayard is aggressively doodling. His talk
with John has left him on edge. Martin and Randolph can sense
it.
RANDOLPH
Son, how are you?
BAYARD
(taut)
Good.
JIM FARMER
Before we begin, I received a very
distressing letter from Senator
Douglas:
RANDOLPH
Regarding--
JIM FARMER
Latrines.
WHITNEY YOUNG
I did as well, from Senator
Humphrey.
What initially appeared to be doodling is Bayard scribbling
notes: Contact GUARDIANS/Wire Mahalia/Sound system.
ROY WILKINS
So did I. Senator Hart. Isn't Park
Services helping out?
BAYARD
(continuing to scribble)
No, they are not.
68.
WHITNEY YOUNG
Bayard, aren't you the least bit
concerned?
BAYARD
What concerns me, Whitney, is the
three of you got the exact same
letter, but instead of looking at
the President's brother, who likely
had them sent, you're looking at
me. The issue of latrines is easily
solved, if we had money.
(blunt/direct)
Each of you committed on behalf of
your organizations to contribute
two thousand dollars, but I 've yet
to see one check.
JIM FARMER
Bayard, we're each dealing with our
own economic constraints--
BAYARD
Which is why I am proposing-- The
March should form a coalition with
the Unions; with the AFL-CIO and
the UAW--
ROY WILKINS
Both of whom are against a two-day
event, and measures directed at the
White House.
BAYARD
(ignoring Roy)
Chief, you're on the AFL Council.
RANDOLPH
I'm not sure about Meany, but Mr.
Reuther at the UAW does in fact
prefer a one-day march and no White
House event.
BAYARD ROY WILKINS
(to Randolph) (to the Room)
Put me in a room with Reuther What did I just say?
and Meany, and I'll convince
What did I--
them to-- (to Bayard) (to Roy) We must limit this to one
No. No. day, and take the White House
69.
We cannot retreat! off the table!
BAYARD (CONT'D)
First you tried to get me fired,
and now you want to see the whole
march destroyed.
WHITNEY YOUNG
Bayard, let's not point fingers.
ROY WILKINS
Did I wake up one morning and say
to myself, "Let's stage the largest
march ever, and get former-
communist-ex-convict-quaker Bayard
Rustin to pull it altogether? No, I
did not! But once we signed on,
we're in it, no matt er what.
(before Bayard interrupts)
If you would stop being so goddamn
willful and accept the inevitable
now, instead of later, when
economics force you to, it will
give the appearance of unity and
strength. It's called being
strategic.
65 65
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS / BACK YARD - MINUTES LATER
The meeting is over. Randolph, Martin, Dr. Anna and Bayard
are huddled together.
RANDOLPH
I realize this may feel l ike an
attenuation of everything we fought
for.
BAYARD
Because that's exactly what it is.
A two-day event will make it clear
to Kennedy, Hoover, whomever, we
will not back down or back away.
RANDOLPH
If you allow Roy this one win--
Bayard aggressively shakes his head `no.'
MARTIN
Bayard, Bayard-- You have Chief,
you have me, Dr. Hedgeman, John.
(MORE)
(MORE)
70.
MARTIN (CONT'D)
MARTIN (CONT'D)
And when he isn't behaving like a
modern day Cassandra foreseeing
doom, you have Jim. An uneasy
alliance, but an alliance
nonetheless.
Bayard looks to Dr. Anna.
ANNA HEDGEMAN
If I'm not asking attendees to get
arrested at the White House, or,
Heaven forbid, sleep in tents, I
could get more congregations to
sign on.
66 66
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS / 2ND FLOOR - MOMENTS LATER
Bayard is climbing the stairs, whe n he sees The Team at the
top, angry and upset.
TOM
So, no lobbying congress?
CLEVE
Bullshit!
RACHELLE
Or marching on the White House?
CHARLENE
Or tents on the Mall?
CLEVE
Bullshit! Bullshit!
COURTNEY
Goodbye, CORE.
JOYCE
Goodbye, SNCC.
CLEVE
It's turning into a got'damn
picnic.
NORM
That first day, sharing ideas,
writing them on the wall...
ELEANOR
Bayard you've got to understand our
disappointment.
71.
BAYARD
Do I want this?! No! But if we want
to make sure 100,000 people show
up, we need help. And in order to
get the Unions and their money,
changes have to be made.
TOM
We could've raised the money.
BAYARD
BUT YOU HAVEN'T! If sisters Dorie
and Joyce went out to Westchester
and talked about growing up in
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, I know
you would come back with enough
money for not just one bus, but
t hree. The same with you, Eleanor,
Tom, Charlene. Your stories hold
the power to inspire supporters and
raise funds. We are committed to
the cause of changing history, of
altering the trajectory of this
country toward freedom. That is
what's on the line. Nothing less.
The SOUND of PERCUSSION is heard, signaling the beginning of--
SPREADIN'-THE-WORD MONTAGE:
67 67
INT. CPW APARTMENT/SCARSDALE MANSION
Joyce, talking to a gathering of WEALTHY WHITE WOMEN in
Westchester, is INTERCUT with DORIE, talking to an EQUALLY
AFFLUENT CROWD on the Upper East Side.
JOYCE
I'd like to share with you what it
was like growing up in Hattiesburg--
DORIE
...As a young girl in Mississippi,
JOYCE
...Where regardless of how smart
you were, or loved to read--
DORIE
Or never missed Sunday School--
JOYCE
You were told-- your dreams wer e
never going to happen--
72.
DORIE
...Weren't possible, because of
what you looked like--
JOYCE
...Because of the color of your
skin.
68 68
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS
SERIES OF HANDS:
Opening ASSORTED ENVELOPES and finding CHECKS and CASH MONEY.
As the MUSIC TAKES ON A JAUNTY BEAT--
69 69
EXT. KANSAS CITY NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
Norm is at the wheel of a CAR plastered with POSTERS/PLACARDS
ADVERTISING THE MARCH. He drives past a BBQ JOINT with LOCAL S
hanging out in front.
NORM (OVER LOUDSPEAKER)
If you're like Sam Cooke: It's
Saturday Night and you ain't got
nobody, the place to be/is
Washington D.C./August 28th, 19
hundred 63/because I guarantee/you
will not be alone.
70 70
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS / HARLEM
More envelopes, more money.
RACHELLE
(calling out)
We got another bus!
JOYCE
(calling out)
2 trains down, 38 to go.
71 71
INT. BASEMENT UNION HALL
The CAME RA TRAVELS PAST Tom talking to OLDER UNION MEMBER--
TOM
...My whole life, actually. My
father was president of the
Transportation Workers, Local 101.
73.
OLD UNION WHITE GUY
BROOKLYN!
...ONTO ELEANOR, talking to a GROUP OF MEN--
ELEANOR
It's about interconnected, and
don't let anybody tell you
otherwise. As long as the Negro
workers are ill-housed and under-
paid--
...Before settling on HANDS PLACING MONEY in a Donation Box.
With the SOUND of HORNS and PERCUSSION becoming one--
A72 A72
INT. BAYARD'S OFFICE
Bayard is on the phone when his OFFICE DOOR SLAMS OPEN,
revealing Charlene/The Team.
CHARLENE
We just had the best idea, ever!
As the MUSIC EXPLODES--
72 72
OMITTED
73 73
EXT. THE APOLLO THEATER - NIGHT
On the FAMED MARQUEE: BENEFIT FOR THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON.
Underneath the marquee, Bayard, all done up, is warmly
greeting the AUDIENCE as they pour inside.
LITTLE STEVIE WONDER
(O.S.)
Everybody say yeah!
74 74
INT. APOLLO THEATRE
IN A SPOTLIGHT--
12-year-old wunderkind, little STEVIE WONDER, in dark
sunglasses, leading a call and response with the Audience
(unseen).
74.
STEVIE/AUDIENCE (O.S.)
Yeah! (Yeah)
Yeah!(Yeah)
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah!
As Stevie lifts his harmonica and begins to play--
A75 A75
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS
Opening more ENVELOPES, revealing MORE CASH MONEY and BIGGER
CHECKS, INTERCUT with the following SERIES OF IMAGES:
75 75
EXT. HARLEM STREET - BOOKSTORE
CLEVE/A TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS, hawking M.O.W. buttons in front
of The House of Common Sense/Proper Propaganda Books tore.
CLEVE
Be proud, be loud, show up!
CLOSE-UPS of DORIE/JOYCE/ELEANOR/TOM, telling their stories,
their language overlapping, so that crucial words from their
disparate speeches, "UNITY, POWER, BELIEF, NOW, FREE",
emerge.
76 76
EXT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS
A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DAY. People from the Neighborhood watch as
The Team hangs a banner: National Headquarters MARCH ON
WASHINGTON for JOBS & FREEDOM. Once the banner is in place,
EVERYBODY CHEERS.
77 77
OMITTED
78 78
OMITTED
79 79
EXT. RURAL NEIGHBORHOOD - GEORGIA
As the Truck makes it's way down the street, a GROUP OF KIDS
run behind it laughing, their faces full of joy.
NORM (LOUDSPEAKER)
Mahalia's gonna sing and freedom's
gonna shout!
75.
The MUSIC BEGINS TO FADE/GIVE WAY to a LONE PIANO pounding
out a GOSPEL TUNE.
80 80
EXT. STOREFRONT CHURCH / HARLEM - NIGHT
The CAMERA PUSHES IN on a modest Storefront Church.
81 81
INT. HARLEM STOREFRONT CHURCH - NIGHT
An impassioned Elias stands before a small, BLACK WORKING
CLASS CONGREGATION, his rhythms and a GOSPEL PIANIST'S RIFFS
and CORDS become one. Bayard is seated in the back row.
ELIAS
The Lord want s you to know that you
are loved. He wraps you in his arms
and your fears begin to fade.
INSERT IMAGE: Elias pulling Bayard into an Alley. They kiss.
ELIAS (CONT'D)
His touch is his way of saying, you
are not alone.
INSERT IMAGE: Elias/Bayard in ELIAS'S ROOM, tearing off each
other's clothes.
ELIAS (CONT'D)
And where you once felt hopeless,
you now feel strong. And where
there once was doubt, you now feel
brave and alive, because you know,
you know with all your heart that
you are a child of God.
INSERT IMAGE: Bayard/Elias' bodies entwined.
ELIAS (CONT'D)
And you have the right to love and
be loved. Let the congregation say--
ELIAS/CONGREGATION/BAYARD
Amen.
INSERT IMAGE: Elias/Bayard in bed together. Bayard is asleep.
Elias, wide awake.
82 82
EXT. PENN SOUTH - DAYS LATER - EARLY EVENING
A BEIGE CAR with TWO SUITED WHITE MEN, parked in front.
76.
83 83
INT. BAYARD'S APT. - CONTINUOUS
Bayard is looking out of his BEDROOM WINDOW, at the Car
below. Tom enters the apartment.
BAYARD
(calling out)
Tom?
TOM
Yeah.
BAYARD (O.S.)
On my desk is an Invitation to the
March, Dr. Anna asked I write for
Mother AME Zion's Church Bulletin.
My spelling is atrocious, so check-
double-check.
A buoyant Bayard enters, wearing one of his smartest suits.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Also have Office r Johnson of the
New York Guardians come see me next
week.
(crossing to the Door)
Oh, and in addition to an FBI
detail now parked out front,
careful what you say on the phone,
as I have a feeling the entire
Kennedy clan is listening in.
He is gone.
84 84
EXT. 8TH AVENUE BAR - LATER
Bayard is transfixed, unable to move. Across the street--
GAY BAR PATRONS COWER, REPORTERS' CAMERAS FLASH-FLASH-FLASH!
The POLIC E CAR'S RED FLASHING LIGHTS. The MEN being loaded in
a PADDY WAGON.
The IMAGES trigger something inside of Bayard.
The back of a BLACK MAN'S HEAD, hit by FLASHING LIGHTS; WHITE
HANDS jerking a BLACK ARM out of a car, BLACK HANDS
handcuffed from behind.
A MAN'S VOICE
Mr. Rustin?
77.
Bayard jumps/turns around. It's Elias. As the PADDY WAGON
pulls away--
ELIAS
I waited for you outside. Once the
shutters closed, the cops stormed
in, rounded them up like dogs. Why
the cameras?
BAYARD
The police sometimes alert the
press when there's going to be a
raid.
Doubling over, dizzy, overwhelmed--
ELIAS
I have a wife, parents, six
brothers and sisters, a
congregation in wait. What if I'd
gone ins ide? I almost did. WHERE
WERE YOU?
BAYARD
Running late, thank God.
ELIAS
Or God's warning.
BAYARD
Ma Rustin once told me I should
only associate with those who have
as much to lose as I do. We'll be
more careful. Make wiser choices.
ELIAS
(turning to go)
I have to go. I--
BAYARD
(calling after him)
Elias--
Elias doesn't stop.
85 85
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS / 2ND FOOR - THAT NEXT DAY
Bayard and BILL JOHNSON, president of the GUARDIANS, making
their way through a beehive of office activity.
78.
BAYARD
Roughly speaking, how many
Guardians are there?
OFFICER BILL JOHNSON
1,100 Negro New York City
policemen.
BAYARD
You're the only cops I can trust,
so I'm going to need every single
one of you in D.C., but your guns
must stay home.
OFFICER BILL JOHNSON
Even if I thought it was a good
idea, which I do not, New York law
requires we are in possession of
our fire arms twenty four hours a
day.
As Johnson goes--
BAYARD
Then I guess we'll have to change
the law.
Thanks for stopping by. (calling out)
Eleanor, get Mayor Wagner on the phone.
Bayard turns. Everyone is motionless, except for Bayard as he
walks toward a RADIO.
STROM THURMOND (ON RADIO)
--Mr. King's infamous alliances
with communists and agitators has
been a carefully guarded secret.
Until now! Mr. Bayard Rustin is not
only Mr. King's closest ad visor, he
is also a draft dodger and a
communist! That is correct. This
March is being built by the
Communist Party itself!
Bayard turns off the radio and SWITCHES INTO HIGH GEAR.
BAYARD
Tom, we need three press releases,
ranging from purely pissed to
questioning the mental well-being
of the not-so-beloved Senator from
South Carolina.
79.
The PHONES START RINGING.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Eleanor, what's the name of the
woman reporter from The Washington
Post? McNair, McNeal--
ELEANOR
Susanna McBee?
JOYCE
(holding a phone)
Bayard, Dr. King.
BAYARD
(crossing to his office)
I will not speak to any other
press, except her. And get Mayor
Wagner to call me back.
He goes inside and CLOSES THE DOOR.
86 86
INT. BAYARD'S OFFICE - MINUTES LATER
Bayard listens.
MARTIN (ON PHON E)
Fortunately, Roy's animus towards
you is eclipsed by his
unadulterated hatred for Strom
Thurmond, so we're safe for now.
BAYARD
Thank you friend.
Bayard hangs up. Now that he's alone, his mask of authority
gives way to vulnerability and concern. A KNOCK ON THE DOOR
saves him from sinking any further.
TOM
(entering)
Here's purely pissed. Was easy to
write.
BAYARD
When I went to see Martin in
Atlanta, I a ssured him there would
be no incidents.
TOM
It's not your fault. Someone needs
to go dredging up Strom Thurmond's
past. No telling what we'd find.
80.
Bayard gestures for Tom to sit.
BAYARD
Years ago, I traveled the country
giving speeches for The Fellowship
of Reconciliation. This one time...
A QUICK KNOCK, followed by Elias poking his head into the
room.
ELIAS
(beaming)
Is this the office of the famous
Bayard Rustin?
TOM
I'll finish the other two.
Tom leaves. Elias closes the door.
ELIAS
That racist piece of white trash
calls any famous Negro a communist .
It's a badge of honor.
BAYARD
That and fame, I'd just as soon do
without.
ELIAS
Too late for that.
(moving in)
I've been thinking a lot--
BAYARD
About?
ELIAS
What Ma Rustin said: Only associate
with someone with as much to lose.
BAYARD
And just who might that someone be?
ELIAS
Who do you think?
87 87
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS - DAYS LATER - NIGHT
A late-night Meeting is underway. Desks have been pushed
together to f orm a large table. The Team listens as ELEANOR
reads from The WASHINGTON POST.
81.
ELEANOR
"Devoted to non-violence, Mr.
Rustin claims: 'friendliness, not a
gun, is the proper weapon.'" She
goes on to mention your dedication
to justice and peace, and calls you
heroic.
The Team CHEERS/BANGS ON DESKS/WHISTLES.
BAYARD
Enough, enough. Get rid of all of
that. So last night, thinking about
the march--
CHARLENE
Run for cover.
Everybody laughs.
BAYARD
We need to provide toll booths with
leaflets so that those arriving by
cars know where to go once in D.C.
Courtney, take charge, and Charlene
would be glad to assist.
Everybody chides Charlene.
CHARLENE
I was gonna volunteer anyway.
BAYARD
It's just after 1. Early. Good
night everyone.
As everyone packs up to go, BLYDEN, last seen threatening to
kick Tom's ass, appears at the top of the stair. Before Tom
can respond, Blyden wraps him in a hug.
BLY DEN
My brother, long time no see. White
TOM
Blyden, what are you doing here?
BAYARD
Blyden!
BLYDEN
(joining him)
Mr. Rustin, suh!
82.
BAYARD
Bayard will suffice. I've been
hounding the Mayor about a project.
Today, he called back and said yes.
So, starting next week--
88 88
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS / 2ND FLOOR
Outside, it's raining. 25 Guardians look to Officer Johnson,
who reluctantly nods. A COAT RACK is soon loaded down with
HOLSTERS/GUNS.
89 89
EXT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS
It's RAINING HARD, the Courtyard is flooded.
90 90
MARCH HEADQUARTERS - 3RD FLO OR - MOMENTS LATER
LADDERS/TARP/BROKEN FURNITURE/etc. have been pushed to the
side. Pots capture DRIPPING WATER as the RAIN CONTINUES TO
POUR. Elias eases into the room and watches as the GUARDIANS
STAND MOTIONLESS, while Blyden tears into them, one after
another.
BLYDEN
I do not take orders from no
muthafuckin' Uncle Toms. Thinkin'
you shit, 'cause of that badge.
Blyden is "performing rage." For th e Guardians, it's real.
And because they aren't allowed to defend themselves/attack,
their emotions are coming to the surface.
BAYARD
(even-toned)
Form a circle. Your backs to the
aggressor.
As they move in--
BLYDEN
How many niggas dead because of
that badge!
When an ANGRY GUARDIAN abruptly turns, ready to attack, the
83.
SCENE INSTANTLY TURNS - MOS
A SERIES OF
IMAGES:
BLYDEN SPEWING INVECTIVES; JOHNSON glares at BLYDEN, then
BAYARD. BAYARD coaching the ANGRY GUARDIAN who is about to
emotionally detonate.
As BLYDEN CONTINUES TO RAGE, the GUARDIANS BACK HIM INTO A
CORNER. They are starting to feel the power of working and
moving as one. Elias is mesmerized. Officer Johnson, though
still wary, seems convinced enough. EN D MOS.
Bayard speaks to the Men in a calm, reassuring voice.
BAYARD
You will leave your weapons at
home. You will wear white
identifying arm bands, a white hat
and carry a whistle. It is your
responsibility to create an
atmosphere of peace for all to
witness and follow. God bless you.
Officer Johnson congratulates the Guardians. Blyden shakes
the MEN'S HANDS. One of the GUARDIANS playfully puts Blyden
in a head lock.
ELIAS
That was nothing short of heroic.
You weaving your spell, watching
Officer Johnson's respect for you
grow.
BAYARD
Come on.
Bayard introduces Elias to Johnson/The Guardians. Tom, who's
been watching from the doorway the entire time, feels
disregarded and hurt. An outsider.
91 91
INT. BAYARD'S APT. - LATER THAT NIGHT
Elias moves about the place, checking out BAYARD'S ARTIFACTS/
OBJECTS, before turning his attention to Bayard's record
collection. Bayard is in the Kitchen. (OS)
ELIAS
Half of this music I've never even--
Pulling out an ALBUM, YOUNG BAYARD'S FACE on the cover.
84.
ELIAS (CONT'D)
"Elizabethan Songs and Negro
Spirituals." So you sing?
BAYARD
(entering with drinks)
And on two songs, play the lute.
They wind up seated next to each other.
ELIAS
They sure as hell don't grow 'em
like you down in Alabama.
BAYARD
Or much to my dismay, anywhere
else.
Elias sees a LUTE, offers it to Bayard.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
God, no. I haven't played that
thing since-last week.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
(singing)
I n'er didst dream, e'vr the day
Such heavenly joy wouldst...
They ki ss, gentle and romantic. Just as it's starting to grow
in intensity and desire, the FRONT DOOR OPENS revealing--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Tom!
Elias leaps up like a little boy that's been caught.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Tom is staying here through the
march. I thought you and Eleanor--
TOM
Cancelled.
BAYARD
I'm sure you must be--
TOM
I'm good.
(sitting/marking
territory)
So Elias, I hear you're married?
85.
BAYARD
Tom...
ELIAS
And you attend Howard University.
I've heard of Colored passing for
white. Good luck with the reverse.
TOM
When I was sixteen, I brought a
Negro friend home for dinner. My
father told me he was not gonna
allow 'that boy' to sit at his
table. And that was the end of
that.
ELIAS
Your friend.
TOM
My family. I moved out and have
been on my own ever since.
ELIAS
Where I come from, we hold onto our
family, and they hold onto us, no
matter what.
Elias looks at Bayard, then goes. Bayard is silent, furious.
BAYARD
I cared about him.
TOM
Who don't you 'care about'? I'm
sure there's some PhD student at
Columbia, or junior activist fresh
out of Fisk. Why don't you take 'em
to that bar down on 8th Avenue and
regale them with tales about Gandhi
and King. And then when it's
convenient, or when their feelings
become inconvenient to your need to
save the race, it's on to the next
one.
Tom's bravura starts to give way to hurt.
TOM (CONT'D)
Except this time, you actually
started giving your heart to
someone, who is clearly incapable
of giving his back.
(MORE)
86.
TOM (CONT'D)
(becoming emotional)
All the while, I've-- I'm...
As Tom charges into his room--
92 92
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS / 3RD FLOOR
Bayard aggressively shoves two tables together.
BAYARD
Courtney, Eugene, more chairs. I
want the entire Team up here.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
CHARLENE
But what about the phones Now!
93 93
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS / 2ND FLOOR
King, Whitney have just arrived.
WHITNEY YOUNG
We're meeting on--
JOYCE
Yes sir, the 3rd floo r.
94 94
MARCH HEADQUARTERS - 3RD FLOOR
MARTIN
(to Bayard)
Roy's guest just arrived.
JIM
But it's so nice outside.
BAYARD
I hadn't noticed.
Martin/Bayard look out a FRONT WINDOW: POWELL, stylishly
attired, is standing by a SLEEK SPORTS CAR, warmly greeting
his adoring HARLEM CONSTITUENTS. As he and Roy shake hands--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Wonder what they're up to?
MARTIN
We're about to find out.
The Team is starting to arrive o n the 3rd floor.
87.
BAYARD
Dr. Anna. If there any thoughts
which have been weighing heavily on
your heart--
DR. ANNA
Careful. Once the panther's been
unleashed...
95 95
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS / 3RD FLOOR - LATER
The windows are open, which only serves to make the room even
hotter. Whitney, Jim, Randolph, John, Martin, Bayard, Roy,
Powell and Dr. Anna sit in a circle.
They are surrounded by The Team, who sit on the floor, in
w indowsills, lean against walls. Elias sits off to one side.
BAYARD
And with our three new religious
leaders, and Mr. Reuther from the
UAW, the Big 6 has turned into the
Big 10!
Applause/Congratulations/Etc.
WHITNEY YOUNG
It's very warm in here.
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
Hot as hell.
(indicating The Team)
If there were less of 'them.'
Joyce's hand shoots up.
BAYARD
Yes, Joyce?
JOYCE
My sister and I have been marching
since we were 11 and 12. So, with
all due respect, sir, we are
nobody's 'them.'
DR. ANNA
Perhaps if those sitting in the
windows moved, there's a slight
chance a breeze might find its way
inside.
88.
RANDOLPH
Given this will probably be one of
our final meetings before the
March, Bayard--
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
Mr. Randolph, I have a question for
our Deputy Director.
RANDOLPH
I repeat, given this will be one of
the last times--
Bayard gestures to Randolph, it's okay. Now that Adam has
been given the floor, HE TAKES IT.
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
Mr. Rustin, you love your work,
love this March?
BAYARD
With all my heart.
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
What if, strictly hypothetical,
there was someone attached to this
fine organization you've created,
whose mere presence was detrimental
to the cause you love; someone
whose past affiliations, political
and otherwise, combined with their
quiddity and flair, could be used
by those in power to inflict great
harm, not just to the March, but
their acts of vengeance could
easil y derail the fight for racial
justice, a good ten, fifteen years,
would you keep them in their
position, or would your sense of
duty as a custodian of the cause
compel you to send him/her, her/
him, on their way?
BAYARD
Hypothetically speaking?
Adam nods.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
I'd send them on their way. Unless
the person in question was me.
When Bayard slyly smiles, everyone in the room, except Adam
and Roy, smile/ break into laughter.
89.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Julia and Janifer Rustin raised me
to be humble and never brag. But
seeing as no one on The Team was--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Blyden, are you a Quaker?
BLYDEN
Hell no!
BAYARD
...They'll speak instead. Norm, how
many First Aid Stations have been
secured?
NORM
22, run by teams of mostly Negro
medical practitioners.
BAYARD
Water.
TOM
There will be six water tanks,
1,500 gallons each, insuring that
the 27 portable founta ins are
operational all day long.
BAYARD
Transportation.
RACHELLE
All in all, we have 2,220 chartered
buses. CORE North Carolina, 11
buses, SNCC Mississippi, 7.
BAYARD
And Reverend Powell's church?
RACHELLE
They've chartered 5. I could
continue, state by state, but Joyce-
-
JOYCE
We have 40 Freedom trains, and
thanks to the UAW, 6 chartered
flights, bringing workers from
Chicago, Grand Rapids, Flint, 86A.
JOY CE (CONT'D)
Detroit, Rochester, Syracuse and
New York.
90.
RACHELLE
Also, per Mr. Rustin's request, the
Mayor approved the implementation
of the subway rush hour schedule at
5 a.m., so that passengers can make
their 6 a.m. bus departures the day
of.
BAYARD
Blyden, who are The Guardians?
BLYDEN
A fraternal order of NYC's Black
police.
BAYARD
And how many will be in Washington
D.C. to ensure a safe and peaceful
march.
BLYDEN
Over a thousand.
BAYARD
Latrines?
COURTNEY
EL EANOR
And if I might add, a chartered
plane of celebrities, including--
As Eleanor rattles off names, the Room "oohs and ahhs."
ELEANOR
Harry Belafonte, Marlon Brando,
James Baldwin, Charlton Heston--
JIM FARMER
Moses.
ELEANOR
Diahann Carroll, Sammy Davis Jr.
Lena Horne, Burt Lancaster, will
also be in attendance.
BAYARD
All of which has been achieved in
seven weeks. And that is why I
would never send me on my way,
hypothetical or otherwise.
91.
JOHN LEWIS
Check and mate.
The entire room erupts into applause. Even Roy is silently
impressed.
WHITNEY YOUNG
How did so much get accomplished in
such a short amount of time.
CHARLENE
By working 12 to 15 hours a day,
every day, and also because of Mr.
Bayard, who--
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
Chief, Dr. Hedgeman, have you ever
gotten a word stuck in your head
that you just can't shake?
MARTIN
(to Randolph)
Now what ?
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
While Bayard and the Rustinetts
were putting on a show, the one
word I couldn't shake: Pasadena.
On hearing "Pasadena," Bayard doesn't move, his expression
doesn't change. He's physically still present, but HIS SOUL
HAS TAKEN FLIGHT.
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL (CONT'D)
Martin, ever been?
MARTIN
What does this have to do with--
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
How about you, Deputy Director?
Ever spent time in Pa sadena?
When Bayard doesn't respond, Dr. Anna sees something in
Bayard's eyes she's never seen before, and neither have we:
FEAR.
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
Can't recall? Well, I just so
happen to have-- Where the hell did
the G.D. thing go? I had it--
92.
DR. ANNA
I am done. Done. I look at this
program, and I do not see one
woman's name. Not Ella Baker, or
Diane Nash. Not Dorothy Height,
Gloria Richardson, Prince Lee,
Myrlie Evers, Rosa Parks or Daisy
Bates. Not-not-not-not-not. Jim?
JIM FARMER
Well, umm, Roy-Martin-Bayard,
correct me if I'm wrong, but a
decision was made early on, that
only leaders of the participating
organizations would be allowed to
speak.
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
Hold up! Where's my name?
MARTIN
That also means no politicians.
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
I am more than just a politician.
Stop any man-woman-child on 7th Ave
and 125th, and say the name Adam
Clayton Powell--
DR. ANNA
Congressman Powell, I am not done.
RANDOLPH
Dr. Hedgeman, might I suggest we
address the issue internally, and
reconvene once a solution has been
found.
Anna respects Randolph too much to defy him, so she agrees.
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
Back to the point I was about to
make.
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL (CONT'D)
Son-of-a-bitch. I had the goddamn
piece of paper - (to Dorie /
Charlene) Darlin', would one of you
mind checking the glove compartment-
MARTIN
Adam, you are a guest here.
You cannot continually-
(MORE)
(MORE)
93.
MARTIN (CONT'D)
ADAM!
ADAM CLAYTON POWELL
You may be Head-Nigger-Down-South--
RANDOLPH
Congressman Powell! WE. HAVE.
MOVED. ON.
The room is stunned. No one has ever seen Randolph erupt.
Even Adam is stunned. After a beat--
RANDOLPH (CONT'D)
(gentlemanly)
Bayard, the floor is yours.
BAYARD
(cheerfully)
I'm good.
RANDOLPH
Meeting adjourned!
Shamed, but worse of all upstaged, Powell hurriedly slips
out. Relieved it's over, Bayard throws a quick nod to Dr.
Anna, Martin and The Team. When Bayard looks to Elias for
comfort/reassurance, Elias does not respond.
96 96
INT. BAYARD'S APT. / CLAUDIA'S HOME - PAST MIDNIGHT
Bayard in bed scribbling notes is INTERCUT with Claudia,
sitting alone in a darkened room, lit by a lone floor lamp.
The phone rings.
BAYARD
Evening, G-man! Please tell Mr.
Hoover--
CLAUDIA
Mr. Rustin?
BAYARD
Who is this?
CLAUDIA
Clau dia... Elias's wife.
BAYARD
Yes. Yes. How are you?
94.
CLAUDIA
Thank you for asking. I have good
news: My father has decided to
officially turn his congregation
over to my husband.
BAYARD
That is--wonderful indeed.
CLAUDIA
I'm so glad to hear you feel that
way. So, if you wouldn't mind
telling my husband it is time for
him to return home, to the path our
Lord ordains.
BAYARD
Mrs. Taylor--
CLAUDIA
I'd like to thank you for the time,
the inordinate amount of ti me
you've taken with Elias. But that
is over.
BAYARD
Claudia--
CLAUDIA
You believe in Elias'
possibilities. I know his
limitations. Goodbye.
The line goes dead.
97 97
EXT. PENN SOUTH - THE NEXT MORNING
A haggard Bayard rushes out. Charlene and Rachelle scurry
behind him.
BAYARD
I didn't eat, couldn't sleep.
Where's Courtney?
RACHELLE
He left an hour ago.
BAYARD
I'm going to miss my flight.
CHARLENE
Rachelle--
95.
RACHELLE
Time to go be a white girl.
Rachelle quickly hails a cab and gets in. On her signal,
Bayard runs and gets in the Taxi. Rachelle gets out.
CAB DRIVER
No. No. OUT!
The Cabbie reaches back and USES HIS ARM to block Bayard from
closing the door. Spotting the DRIVER'S HAND in the rolled
down window, Bayard quickly ROLLS IT UP, trapping the
DRIVER'S FINGERS.
CAB DRIVER
Roll it down! Roll it down!
Charl ene and Rachelle are in shock.
BAYARD
Non-violence is a noble calling;
one we aspire to, but sometimes
fail.
(to the Driver)
Idlewild Airport, please. Handsome
tip included.
98 98
EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. / LINCOLN MEMORIAL - DAY
At the top of the stairs, Bayard and Courtney look down and
see Chief Wells and what appears to be a BATTALION of
DEPARTMENT HEADS, all-white, walking toward them.
BAYARD
Chief Wells.
CHI EF WELLS
Mr. Rustin.
As Norm passes out maps.
BAYARD
Gentlemen, my associate is handing
out a map which details the
locations of key support systems:
water fountains, First Aid
stations, Lost & Found. I am also
pleased to report that over one
thousand New York City Marshals
will be present.
(MORE)
96.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
The Guardians have been schooled in
the tenants and practices of
passive resistance, and will
therefore not be armed.
CHIEF WELLS
That's not possible.
CHIEF WELLS (CONT'D)
Mr. Rustin, for the first time
since Prohibition, every liquor
store in the metropolitan area will
be closed for the day. All elective
surgeries have been cancelled, and
congressmen have told their female
staff to stay home.
BAYARD
And why i s that? Chief Wells?
Bayard looks to Chief Wells. He is silent.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Is it because a number of people,
specifically, a number of men with
skin similar to my own will be in
town?
Bayard looks to The Men. Some look away, others blankly
stare.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
The last time I turned on the
television, I saw a pack of white
hooligans assaulting Negroes at a
lunch counter, and a white police
officer ordering child ren be hosed.
But to blame all for the actions of
a few would be unfair. As a matter
of fact--
(a helpful hint)
...That is what's called being
racist.
Singling out TWO ODD-LOOKING MEN--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
You two. Something tells me you
might be the Engineers I requested.
ENGINEER ONE
That we are.
97.
CHIEF WELLS
(to Bayard)
The day of your march, the entire
D.C. police force has been
mobilized, along with 500 reserves,
2,500 National Guards, 4,000 Army
soldiers and per orders of The
Pentagon, 19,000 troops.
BAYARD
I hope you'll have something for
them to do, as they won't be needed
here.
(to the Men)
And whoever amongst you has direct
dealings with Mr. Hoover--
(To Wells)
Chief Wells, you strike me as the
sort who stands outside of the
door, never in the room.
(to The Men)
...Let him know that on August
28th, black, white, young, old,
rich, working class, poor will
descend on Washington D.C., and
there is nothing he can do to stop
it. Seeing as he's listening in on
all my calls anyway, I'll tell him
myself.
As Bayard and Company descend the Memorial steps, ONE OF THE
MEN steps forward and eyes hi m as he goes.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
I need a sound system which allows
someone speaking or singing here,
to be heard all the way back there.
ENGINEER ONE
No such system exists.
BAYARD
Then you must invent one, because
sound is how we turn a crowd into
an audience.
99 99
EXT. MARCH HQ / COURTYARD - AFTERNOON
DR. ANNA'S FACE IS STOIC. Roy, Whitney, Randolph, John,
Cleveland, Eleanor, Rachelle and Tom watch as Jim speaks.
Eli as, who is also present, looks uncharacteristically tired
and rough.
98.
Please Note: The Courtyard is now perfectly groomed.
JIM FARMER
And as each of our accomplished
heroines rises, Chief would
proclaim their remarkable deeds to
the world.
DR. ANNA
So seen, but not heard?
Jim looks to Roy, who looks the other way.
JIM FARMER
They each could write their own
introduction. And, and we have
asked Dorothy Height, president of
the National Council of--
DR. ANNA
I know Mrs. Height.
JIM FARMER
...To join the Big 6.
DR. ANNA
With all due respect, Mr. Randolph,
a woman should introduce them, and
do not ask for recommendations as a
number of women have informed me
they will not be participating in
the march.
RANDOLPH
That is unfortunate to hear.
DR. ANNA
What is unfortunate, sir, are the
circumstances which led to their
decision.
Bayard rushes in with a travel bag, Courtney follows. Roy ,
eager to discuss anything other than women--
ROY WILKINS
Bayard! Perfect timing! There's a
chair right next to me. Sit!
WHITNEY YOUNG
What's the word from Washington?
99.
BAYARD
We need 16 to 20 thousand dollars
for a sound system, and no, we do
not have it, and yes, Jim, it's a
disaster. But it will be solved.
CLEVE
Big problem. The official March on
Washington button: white hand on
left, black hand on right. This
one, the reverse. Someone is
selling counterfeit buttons and
robbing us blind.
BAYARD
I'll handle it.
CLEVE
How?
BAYARD
I'll have The Guardians beat 'em to
a pul p.
CLEVE
Good!
JOHN LEWIS
Bayard, how are the numbers?
BAYARD
Rachelle--
RACHELLE
Our latest estimate: 88,000.
JIM FARMER
If we have one person less than
100,000--
ROY WILKINS
Interesting enough, the last couple
of days Congressman Powell has been
hounding me, demanding he speak at
the March. Do you want to know why?
(relishing the attention)
Aunt Bess is throwing a cookout--
RANDOLPH
Aunt Bess?
WHITNEY YOUNG
Nobo dy has an Auntie named Bess.
Aunt Wilhelmina, Aunt Frankie--
100.
ROY WILKINS
I have an Aunt Bess, and 20 guests
have been confirmed. How many
should she cook for?
(zeroing in on--)
Tom?
TOM
19, 20.
All the Black People laugh/mock Tom.
ROY WILKINS
By the time cousins invite cousins,
and neighbors hear from neighbors,
Aunt Bess best be cooking for at
least 50. Adam smells success!
CLEVE
He sure as hell ain't smelling
ribs, cause with a name like Aunt
Bess, you know she can't cook!
LAUGHTER.
ROY WILKINS
Mr . Deputy Director, you best be
cooking for 200,000. You heard it
here first!
Above the euphoric response--
JIM FARMER
I don't see the March demands in
the program. They should be heard.
JOHN LEWIS
Bayard, you should read them.
BAYARD
Fifteen days from now, if
everything goes as planned, you can
list me as Trash Collector. Chief,
this has been your dream for many
years. I nominate Asa Philip
Randolph!
ENT IRE ROOM
Second!
RANDOLPH
Gentlemen, ladies. Thank you. Thank
you all.
101.
BAYARD
Now, unless there is anything else--
Holding up a SMALL ENVELOPE--
WHITNEY YOUNG
Pledge Cards? Feels a bit off-
putting, begging the day of?
JOHN LEWIS
(reading the pledge)
"I do solemnly swear to commit
myself to the civil-rights
struggle, and do pledge my heart,
mind and body unequivocally and
without regard to personal
sacrifice, to the achievement of
social peace through social
justice."
Silenc e. Everyone around the table, including Roy, smile/nod
their approval. Except Elias.
100 100
EXT. MT. MORRIS PARK - LATER
Bayard and Elias are seated on a bench.
ELIAS
My wife-- Her father is retiring
and is passing his church on to me.
BAYARD
She called to tell me.
ELIAS
Did she also tell you she is
pregnant?
BAYARD
Elias, you may think you are
killing off one aspect of yourself,
but you're not. You're killing all
of yourself.
As if performing for someone else--
ELIAS
I am a married man, about to be a
father, and you, sir, are a sick
man. You need to stop following me.
A woeful laugh gurgles out of Bayard.
102.
BAYARD
She also implied she hadn't heard
from you. Have you visited this
park at night?
Mount Morris baths? Who got to you?
The Vice Squad? The FBI?
Do they have pictures?
ELIAS
'For the desires of the flesh are
against the spirit, and the desire
of the spirit are against the
flesh. For these are opposed to
each other...
BAYARD
To keep you from doing that which
you most desire.'
Bayard touches Elias. Elias closes his eyes and, just as he
is starting to surrender to Bayard's touch, abruptly stands
and walks away.
101 101
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS / HARLEM - LATER
Devastated, Bayard is headed up the stairs when he is hit by
SILENCE.
At the top of the stairs, not a single person on the 2ND
FLOOR is moving. And then he hears--
STROM THURMOND (ON RADIO)
--the organizer of this catastrophe-
in- wait, the so-called "ma n,"
Bayard 100.
STROM THURMOND (ON RADIO) (CONT'D)
Rustin, is not only a draft-dodging
communist, he is also a pervert! I
have in my possession his Pasadena
arrest record, dated January 23,
1953!
On hearing the word "Pasadena," members of the Team sneak
looks to Bayard/each other.
103.
STROM THURMOND (ON RADIO) (CONT'D)
Mr. Rustin was arrested, jailed,
and pled guilty to lewd conduct
with two men. He is a convicted
homosexual!
Bayard bum-rushes the radio, turns it off, and tries putting
on a show of 'business as usual.'
BAYARD
The Council of Churches has
committed to build 80,000 box
lunches, the evening before.
Correct? CORRECT?
RACHELLE
Yes.
BAYARD
Yes. Peanut butter and jelly,
correct?
RACHELLE
We were talking--
The PHONE STARTS TO RING.
BAYARD
Don't answer that. Who's we?
RACHELLE
The girls and myself, and decided
cheese sandwi ches would be so much
better.
Another PHONE STARTS RINGING.
BAYARD
No. Peanut butter and jelly.
ANOTHER PHONE RINGS, and ANOTHER, and ANOTHER. When a member
of the team makes a move to answer--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
DON'T. What is the one word you've
heard me say over and over?
Eleanor?
ELEANOR
Details.
BAYARD
It's going to be over 80 degrees.
Cheese spoils. Details!
104.
IMAGES FLASH ECU: Pants being unzipped, shirts torn open.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
You should know better; should have
known better! Details.
IMAGES FLASH: YOUNG BAYARD'S FACE being hit, first by the
LIGHT OF A FLASHLIGHT, and then by the FLASHLIGHT itself.
When Bayard sees the FACES of THE TEAM, their hurt and
confusion, it's too much for him to bear. He starts walking,
then RUNS FOR THE STAIRS.
102 102
EXT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS / ROOF - MINUTES LATER
Bayard on the roof, PACING/WALKING IN CIRCLES, humiliated,
angry, trapped. But no matter how aggressively he moves, the
IMAGES and WORDS do not abate.
INSERT IMAGE: YOUNG BAYARD in a chair, looking down, MUSTE
to wering over him.
MUSTE (V.O.)
The charge:
"Lewd vagrancy."
YOUNG BAYARD
(mumbling)
Guilty.
Young Bayard looks up, his face badly bruised.
BAYARD
GUILTY.
TOM (O.S.)
Bayard...
Bayard turns. Tom is on the roof. Bayard wants to tell him to
leave, but doesn't.
BAYARD
Two men. I'd seen them earlier. I
was lonely, alone.
INSERT IMAGE: YOUNG BAYARD in the backseat; TWO YOUNG WHITE
FACES frame his.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
Stupid. I should have known. I
should have--
105.
INSERT IMAGE: YOUNG BAYARD FACE lit by GLARING LIGHTS.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
I'd gone to prison over my beliefs.
Proud.
But this time, fighting to save my job, my dignity, my
reputation--
INSERT IMAGE: YOUNG BAYARD 'posing' for his MUG SHOT.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
For the first time ever, I felt
ashamed of who I was--
As the CAMERA GOES FLASH.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
...What I was--
Flash--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
...What I desired.
Flash--
BAYARD (CONT'D)
And no matter how hard I fight and
flaunt and believe, it's still
there. And in rooms where no one
looks like me, or behaves like me,
I distract myself by being defiant.
All the while, inside is the fear
and shame I keep hidden, even from
myself. And now that everyone
knows.
TOM
Good. GOOD.
This stops Bayard cold.
103 103
WITH BAYARD:
WALKING/Running down a HARLEM STREET; riding in a SUBWAY CAR.
When the subway CAR GOES BLACK--
106.
104 104
INT. NAACP CONFERENCE ROOM
Bayard opens the DOOR. They're all there: Martin, John,
Whitney, Roy and Jim, all staring at him. But Bayard doesn't
give them the satisfaction of looking back.
BAYARD
Martin. Alone.
Martin leads the way. Bayard follows.
105 105
INT. NAACP - SMALL OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Martin starts to speak. Bayard stops him with a gesture.
BAYARD
You are one of the smartest men I
know, so explain to me why, with
all that is left undone, do I find
myself forced to yet again justify
my existence. Each of us has been
taught, in ways both cunning and
cruel, that we are inadequate,
incomplete. And the easiest way to
combat the feeling of not being
enough, is to find someone we
consider less than. Less than
because they are poorer than us, or
darker than us, or desire someone
who our church and our laws say
they should not desire. And when we
tell ourselves such lies, st art to
live and believe such lies, we do
the work of the oppressors by
oppressing ourselves. Strom
Thurmond and Hoover don't give a
shit about me. What they really
want to destroy is all of us coming
together and demanding this country
change. Are they expecting my
resignation?
MARTIN
Some are.
BAYARD
Then they're going to have to fire
me, because I will not resign. On
the day that I was born black, I
was also born a homosexual. They
either believe in freedom and
justice for all, or they do not.
107.
Bayard and Martin share a look, before he walks out and
CLOSES THE DOOR.
106 106
INT. MARCH OFFICE / 2ND FLOOR - DAY
Bayard emerges from the stairs, fully expecting to see the
vestiges of his own wake, and instead finds the room
vibrantly alive, The Team hard at work and totally in
command.
CHARLENE (INTO PHONE)
Yes ma'am, we have a bus leaving at
6:30, on Walnut Street, in front of
the Mammoth Life--
JOYCE ( INTO PHONE)
Interstate 66, just before the
Washington/Old Dominion corridor,
you'll come to a toll booth--
RACHELLE (INTO PHONE)
No sir, I can't wait.
(to Bayard)
To help cover cost for the sound
system, I thought, 'what would
Bayard do?' So, I put in a call to
Mr. Dubinsky of the ILGWU, and told
him we'd just gotten a $10,000
check from Mr. Reuther of the UAW.
I'm now on with Mr. Reuther telling
him t he reverse.
ELEANOR
Bayard! Tom and I decided to put
out a press release announcing the
celebrity contingent coming to the
march.
BAYARD
A bit of chum before the sharks
swallow me whole.
Eleanor laughs/goes back to typing.
107 107
INT. MARCH OFFICE / BAYARD'S OFFICE - MINUTES LATER
Bayard is seated at his desk, quiet, not working. Tom
appears.
108.
BAYARD
Is that how you intend to dress for
my execution?
TOM
My widow's veil is at the cleaners.
BAYARD
This entire time, you've been
waiting for me to offer something I
I'm not ready to give. Maybe when
I'm older, and most of the battles
have been won, I'll free myself to
fall in love. But until then I want
you to know, you are my family. No
secrets, no shame, just love.
Tom smiles and nods because he can't speak. There is a knock.
Charlene opens the door, her face flush with emotion.
108 108
EXT. NYC PRESS CLUB - MINUTES LATER
Randolph is standing at a MICROPHONE-LADEN LECTERN,
surrounded by the BIG 10.
RANDOLPH
....And as for Senator Thurmond's
accusations, I am dismayed that
there are men who, wrapping
themselves in a mantle of Christian
morality, would violate the most
elementary conceptions of human
decency, privacy and humility in
order to persecute other men.
109 109
INT. MARCH HEADQUARTERS - SAME TIME
The TV is on, Bayard/The Team are watching. Dr. Anna stands
nearby.
RANDOLPH (ON TV)
I also wish to express my complete
confidence in Mr. Rustin's
character.
Bayard/The Entire Room prepare for the worst, as ROY CROSSES
TO THE LECTERN.
ROY WILKINS (ON TV)
Mr. Thurmond's vicious slurs and
attacks are like water off a duck's
back to us.
(MORE)
109.
ROY WILKINS (ON TV) (CONT'D)
And so, I speak for the combined
Negro leadership when I say that
the entire Civil Rights Movement
stands behind Mr. Bayard Rustin.
Bayard is silent/stunned.
JUMP TO: Dr. King at the microphones.
MARTIN (ON TV)
Mr. Rustin is one of the most
moral, one of the most decent human
beings I have ever known. He is as
committed to American democracy as
any current elected official, and
would fight to protect the rights
of all, including those who would
use the power of their positions to
deny him his. I am proud to call
him friend, and cannot think of a
finer person to lead us in
Washington D.C.
Without warning, Bayard's emotions rush to the surface:
tears, anger, frustration, hurt. Dr. Anna gently PLACES HER
HAND AGAINST HIS BACK while he cries. And then just as
abruptly, Bayard wipes his eyes and sm iles. He's ready and
feels finally free.
110 110
EXT. 125TH STREET / NYC - PRE-DAWN
Lit by the glow of buses parked underneath the 125th St.
SUBWAY OVERPASS, The GUARDIANS put on their WHITE ARMBANDS
and "GANDHI" HATS, and begin boarding, as DAWN BEGINS TO
EMERGE.
EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. / WASHINGTON MONUMENT - DAWN / MONTAGE
111
An army of TRUCKS arrives with tons of SOUND EQUIPMENT. Under
Blyden and Courtney 's guidance, the FIRST BUNDLE OF CABLES
roll out, headed toward the Lincoln Memorial.
112 112
EXT. THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL - DAWN
With the Lincoln Memorial in the b.g., Bayard is walking,
singing/humming as he goes.
BAYARD
Jesus walked this lonesome valley.
He had to walk it by Himself;
(MORE)
110.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
BAYARD (CONT'D)
(hums the next line)
I hope and pray, folks come today.
113 113
EXT. WASHINGTON MONUMENT / ORGANIZER'S TENT - MORNING
Nearby, Dorie, Tom, Joyce, and VOLUNTEERS are stapling
together MOUNDS UPON MOUNDS of SIGNS.
INSIDE THE TENT, Eleanor, Rachelle, Charlene are going over a
checklist, acutely aware The PRESS are hovering nearby. When
they see Bayard approaching--
JOURNALISTS
(overlapping)
--Mr. Rustin, where's everybody? --
Where's your one hundred thousand? -
-It's 8 o'clock and I see 75
people, tops.
Pulling out a piece of paper--
BAYARD
"Alabama, Wisconsin, Nevada-- Union
Station, Interstate 66..."
(calling out)
I'd say around 10. Wouldn't you
agree?
He hands Eleanor the blank piece of paper.
ELEANOR
Agreed.
114 114
EXT. THE STREETS OF WASHINGTON D.C. / MONTAGE:
ARCHIVAL MIX: BUSES pulling into Washington D.C., Trains
intoUNION STATION.
Smiling HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES arriving via CHARTERED PLANES.
ARCHIVAL MIX: HORDES OF PEOPLE, marching/singing, claiming
the STREETS OF WASHINGTON D.C. as their own.
115 115
EXT. THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON - THE MARCH - SERIES OF
IMAGES
MARCHERS OF EVERY AGE/RACE greeting each other; being given
protest signs.
111.
OLDER BLACK WOMEN wearing white, with purple 'USHER' armbands
and blue sashes saying "PLEDGE CARDS," move amongst the
SWELLING CROWDS, handing out the cards.
A GROUP OF YOUNG BLACK BOYS singing, Ain't Gonna Let Nobody
Turn Me Around, the WASHINGTON MONUMENT and AMERICAN FLAG,
reflected in one of the BOY'S SHADES.
THE MARCH HAS BEGUN. The Big 10 leads, followed by an ENDLESS
CASCADE of SIGNS, which seem to go on for forever.
ARCHIVAL: An Aerial View as THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS converse
on THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL and MALL, and reflecting pool.
116 116
EXT. LINCOLN MEMORIAL PLATFORM - LATER
MAHALIA JACKSON is singing, How I Got Over. Seated with the
Big 10, DOROTHY HEIGHT, 51. Bayard and Mr. Randolph stand
together, looking out at the OCEAN OF PARTICIPANTS.
ROY WILKINS
(standing nearby)
I called it first? Aunt Bess
brought the entire human race.
RANDOLPH
Son, I am afraid this isn't 100,000
people. I so wish Lucille was here.
BAYARD
When Mahalia sings, angels descend.
The SONG ENDS. As the MASSES ROAR, Randolph's eyes fill with
tears.
117 117
EXT. LI NCOLN MEMORIAL PLATFORM - LATER
Martin is at the podium. Above the applause--
MAHALIA JACKSON
(calling out)
Tell'em about the dream.
As Martin pushes his notes aside - MOS
Bayard beams with pride as his brother/friend takes the WHOLE
WORLD TO CHURCH; he smiles as he takes in the FACES of
STRANGERS in the Crowd, the FACES of DR. ANNA, CLEVE,
ELEANOR, CHARLENE, TOM, NORM, DORIE, RACHELLE, et al.
believi ng, feeling, rejoicing.
112.
MARTIN
Let freedom ring from the mighty
mountains of New York. Let freedom
ring from the heightening
Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let
freedom ring from the snowcapped
Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom
ring from the curvacious slopes of
California. But not only that, let
freedom ring from Stone Mountain of
Georgia. Let freedom ring from
Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let
freedom ring from every hill and
molehill of Mississippi. From every
mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, and when we
allow freedom to ring, when we let
it ring from every village and
every hamlet, from every state and
every city, we will be able to
speed up that day when all of God's
children, Black men and White men,
Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and
Catholics, will be able to join
hands and sing in the w ords of the
old Negro spiritual: "Free at last.
Free at last. Thank God almighty,
we are free at last."
THOUSANDS ROAR. As Martin steps back, He and Bayard share a
look before Martin turns back and waves, as the CROWD
CONTINUES TO ROAR. Martin now belongs to the world.
Bayard looks to Mr. Randolph. It's time for the MARCH
DEMANDS, but instead, Randolph hands Ossie his speech.
OSSIE
And now I bring to you, the
executive director of the March on
Washington. The man who organized
this whole thing, Bayard Rustin!
Bayard is shocked. He looks to Randolph who gestures for
Bayard to take his rightful place. Bayard does.
BAYARD
Ladies and Gentlemen! The first
demand is: that we have effective
civil rights legislation. No
compromise! No filibuster!
(MORE)
(MORE)
113.
BAYARD (CONT'D)
And that it includes public
accommodation, decent housing,
integrated education, and the right
to vote! WHAT DO YOU SAY?!
Bayard RAISES A FIST, and the 250,000 marchers ROAR WITH
APPROVAL!
118 118
EXT. LINCOLN MEMORIAL / PODIUM - LATE AFTERNOON
Randolph and Bayard are posing for a photographer. Dr.
Hedgeman and the Big 10 linger nearby.
Once they're done--
DR. ANNA
Bayard, when I was a girl, every
night my father would ask, "Have
you been useful today?" I'm more
than certain that has been true for
you most of your life. But tod ay,
my child... Today.
They hug. And then--
DR. ANNA (CONT'D)
Whitney, congratulations. Where is
Mr. Farmer? I cant believe he'd
miss his moment in the sun.
WHITNEY YOUNG
He was arrested a few days ago in
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, for
protesting against police
brutality. Prior to his arrest,
he'd gotten death threats.
With ROY, RANDOLPH, BAYARD, JOHN--
ROY WILKINS
Chief, the President has invited us
to meet.
BAYARD
Don't let him get away with a
thing. Not after this.
RANDOLPH
Trust me, that will not occur.
JOHN LEWIS
You should be with us.
114.
BAYARD
A few weeks ago, I said I'd happily
act as trash collector if we pulled
today off.
ROY WILKINS
You are far more valuable to us
than a trash collector.
BAYARD
Roy, for shame! Ma Rustin taught me
no man is less valuable because he
picks up trash in order to care for
his own.
(to John)
Next time.
Roy hustles Randolph/The Big 10 away. The Team watches as
Bayard descends the steps of the Lincoln Memoria l.
After introducing himself to the OTHER WORKERS, the CAMERA
SLOWLY PULLS BACK until anonymity takes over, and Bayard
becomes just ONE MORE VOLUNTEER helping to make things clean.
TEXT OVER THIS SHOT:
"More than 250,000 people attended the March on Washington,
making it the largest nonviolent demonstration to date."
"In 1964, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act, outlawing
discrimination based on rac e, color, religion, sex or
national origin."
"In 1977, Bayard met Walter Naegle. They fell in love, and
were inseparable until Bayard passed away in 1987."
"After decades of going unrecognized for his role in the
Civil Rights Movement, Bayard was posthumously bestowed the
Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2013."
119 119
FINAL IMAGE: THE SEPTEMBER 6TH, 1963 COVER OF LIFE
MAGAZINE, FEATU RING A PHOTOGRAPH OF RANDOLPH AND BAYARD
IN FRONT OF LINCOLN'S STATUE. THE CATION: LEADERS RANDOLPH
AND RUSTIN
FADE TO BLACK
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