Walter Naegle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Walter Naegle
Born	1949 (age 75–76) Morristown, New Jersey, U.S.
Education	University of Bridgeport Fordham University (BFA)
Partner(s)	Bayard Rustin (1977–1987)

Walter Naegle (born 1949) is an American artist and photographer. He was the partner of Bayard Rustin, a famous leader in the American Civil Rights Movement. Walter now leads the Bayard Rustin Fund, which helps people remember Bayard's life and important ideas. He also helps the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, a safe place for young people in Princeton, New Jersey. This center teaches about justice and honors Bayard Rustin's work.

Early Life and Interests

Walter Naegle was born in Morristown, New Jersey, in 1949. He grew up in Succasunna, New Jersey, with six brothers and sisters. His family was Roman Catholic. When he was in high school in the 1960s, Walter became very interested in the fight for civil rights for African Americans. He especially liked the idea of using peaceful methods to bring about big changes in society.

Education and Early Work

After high school, Walter went to the University of Bridgeport for a year. Then, he joined VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America). He worked for a year at a senior center in Chicago.

As he learned more about peace and nonviolence, Walter decided he could not join the military during the Vietnam War. He wrote a letter in 1969 saying he would not report for duty if called. He was summoned, but he did not go. He was never charged because of a mistake by the local draft board.

In 1970, Walter moved to New York City. He found an apartment in Spanish Harlem. He worked at the New York State Psychiatric Institute until 1972. He worked with children and on a team studying bipolar disorder. During this time, he also went to night school at the Germain School of Photography. He started taking many photos with special cameras.

Partnership with Bayard Rustin

Walter Naegle first met Bayard Rustin in April 1977. Walter was on his way to Times Square. They were waiting at the same street corner for the light to change. Walter noticed Bayard's white hair. Walter felt an instant connection.

After a few months, Walter and Bayard became partners. In the fall of 1977, Walter went back to school at Fordham University. He also worked at the university. He graduated in 1981 with a degree in Studio Art. He moved in with Bayard Rustin in New York City. In 2016, Bayard's home was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

At that time, same-sex marriage was not legal. So, Bayard Rustin legally adopted Walter in 1982. They were together for ten years until Bayard passed away in 1987.

Receiving the Medal of Freedom

On November 20, 2013, Walter Naegle accepted the Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama. He accepted the award to honor Bayard Rustin's important work. Bayard was a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Walter and Tam O'Shaughnessy, who was the partner of astronaut Sally Ride, were the first LGBT partners to accept this award for their late partners. When Walter accepted the medal, he described Bayard Rustin. He said that being Black, being homosexual, and being a political activist was a rare and powerful combination. He felt Bayard's life was complex and very interesting.

Selected Works

• Troublemaker for Justice: The Story of Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the March on Washington, (City Lights, 2019) ISBN: 97780872867659 — Walter Naegle helped write this book for young adults about Bayard Rustin.

See also

• Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, a 2003 documentary film about Bayard Rustin.