Bayard Rustin's civil rights activism had a significant impact as he organized the 1963 March on Washington, which was pivotal in raising awareness about racial injustice. As a key advisor to figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rustin advocated for nonviolent resistance and the importance of labor rights, linking social and economic justice. His visibility in the movement was essential, yet it also highlighted the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ activists within civil rights circles, contributing to ongoing discussions about inclusivity in social justice movements.