Yeap, that's me portraying civil rights activist Mr. Floyd McKissick Sr., Esq. in the Netflix film "Rustin." I was honored to be working alongside esteemed actors Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Audra McDonald, CCH Pounder Glynn Turman, etc.. Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama's production company Higher Ground, the film stars Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin. It is based on the true story of Bayard Rustin who organized the 1963 March on Washington."
Bayard Rustin, a lesser-known civil rights advocate, was the architect in organizing the historic 1963 March on Washington. Another impactful figure from that era was Floyd McKissick, an influential civil rights activist whose contributions are not as widely recognized. Like Rustin, McKissick's legacy has been somewhat overshadowed by his unconventional acts of sacrifice aimed at demonstrating Black economic empowerment through the development of Soul City, a new urban center.
Unfortunately, McKissick's development of Soul City was hindered by opposition from both liberal and conservative White individuals who feared the potential emergence of another prosperous African American community like Tulsa, Oklahoma, Wilmington NC, etc. As a result, the full potential of Soul City remained unrealized due to racial prejudice and envy.
Floyd McKissick reminds me that speaking up for justice comes consequences
Prior to learning about casting for the project, I made a courageous decision that ultimately resulted in career suicide as a elementary school administrator for the District of Columbia Public School (DCPS) Forbes
After reporting unethical practices mandated by the mayor of District of Columbia, I faced severe consequences including retaliation, a death threat and ultimately being dismissed from my job. The mayor's unjust practices specifically singled out underprivileged African American children, while excluding privileged white children. Daily Caller
I faced a critical decision. Should I persist in the struggle, even though it posed both personal and career risks? Alternatively, should I give up and ignore the hidden injustices inflicted upon our children? TMD
Like McKissisck, I too am " prepared to take whatever heat came his way."
Portraying Floyd McKissick strengthened my resolve to choose the former option - to persevere with determination, fight like hell, and carry on advocating for equity and justice for Black elementary students and educators' within DCPS. Diane Ravitch
My only "crime" was faithfully fulfilling my duties as a mandated reporter by reporting instances of harm inflicted by the mayor's administration upon children. Tom Tultican
Reignited my passion for the performing arts as a possible freelance opportunity.
Following my termination from DCPS, I continue to encounter ongoing difficulties in securing employment. Those who expose wrongdoing, aka whistleblowers, who are terminated, employ various strategies to stay afloat financially despite the adversity they face.
I didn't audition for Floyd McKissick . Floyd McKissick Sr. Esq. found me.
After landing a few background roles in independent films, I stumbled upon a casting opportunity listed on the Backstage website.
I can't fully articulate the feeling and emotion, but I felt as if Mr. Floyd McKissick Sr. extended an invitation for me to walk in his shoes, indicating a willingness to impart something of great importance.
I had prior knowledge of Mr. McKissick's: His lawsuit that led to the desegregation of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his leadership within the Congress of Racial Equality(CORE) - a high profile proponent of the Black Power movement - and his establishment of Soul City in Warrenton NC.
However, my understanding was not comprehensive. Unaware to me at the time, McKissick had been present next to Martin Luther King Jr., joining hands during the momentous March on Washington in 1963. Equally incredible to learn was that Mr. McKissick, National Chairman of CORE, delivered a remarkable speech on behalf of the James Farmer, President, CORE who was being detained in Plaquemine, Louisiana after participating in a series of protests against police violence in August 1963.
Attention to detail accurately replicated 1963
I was transported back in time to a period where racial inequality was legal and rampant and the fight for civil rights was at its peak. I could feel the legal segregation and unlawful discrimination that Floyd McKissick and countless others endured during 1963.
From the authentic 60's clothing and set designs to the carefully chosen props, everything was recreated with such attention to detail that it truly felt immersive. The cast was skillfully transported back to the iconic year of 1963.
The presence of numerous spectators, adorned in today's styles, including a diverse crew, were the only indication of modern day reality during the production. However, I questioned whether this modern day reality was truly advancement from 1963 or not.
It felt as if Floyd McKissick guided me on a transformative journey.
Floyd McKissick gave me a profound understanding of the significance of my actions as someone who exposes wrongdoing and advocates for fairness, to create better systems for children, families and educators; however, faced with reprisals and intimidation.
Through this journey, I discovered my ancestor's true resilience. The experience bestowed upon me a great sense of empowerment, fueling my determination to fight for necessary change by any means necessary.
Guided in his footsteps at the Lincoln Memorial, it reinforced my determination to continue fighting for what is right, never back down in the face of adversity, keep striving for justice, and refuse to retreat when confronted with challenges.
Now, I was refueled to fight another day for an equitable, safer and nontoxic educational environment for students and educators in DCPS. And ultimately, I can impact policy and laws.
Although Floyd McKissick has no dialogue, he symbolically represents the essence and impact of influential powerhouse figures from history during the momentous 1963 March on Washington.
Today, the study of history cannot be forbidden, but rather it should be conveyed with accuracy and honesty.
Unequivocally, our fight against injustice still exists today, as racial discrimination and systemic racism continue to persist.
In our modern society, where enduring systemic racism and inequities prevail, it's imperative to bring attention to the narratives of Black historical figures frozen in time such as Bayard Rustin, Floyd McKissick, James Farmer, and others.
Numerous courageous Black women and men leaders have been essentially frozen in time, with their stories left untold. These individuals played a crucial role in the fight for fairness and equal rights, which serves as an important lesson that all Americans should recognize and educate themselves about.
Acknowledging and validating our historical individuals who have been overlooked or disregarded, we can inspire both current and future generations to foster a stronger commitment in championing for a fairer society.
After my enlightening, informative and healing historical tour in the steps of Mr. Floyd McKissick Sr. Esq., I am compelled to embrace a steadfast obligation of actively challenging injustice and shedding light on crucial issues to enact permanent change. FOREVER!
Thank you, Mr. Floyd McKissick Jr. and Floyd McKissick III, both practicing lawyers from Durham, North Carolina, for graciously sharing your family patriarch's remarkable legacy with the world. The profound impact he has made will undoubtedly serve as a constant source of inspiration for generations to come.
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