What Bayard Rustin Can Tell Us About Essence Enneagram 8s Part 1

As some of you may know Bayard Rustin was an out gay Civil Rights activist during the Civil Rights era. He was bold, courageous, brave and fearless. Much like what is depicted in the Enneagram 8 archetype. He is famous for quotes like: “We need in every bay and community a group of angelic troublemakers,” “When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him,” and "The proof that one believes is in action." Central to the Enneagram 8s psyche is to find ways to resist and fight systems that seek to oppress and control themselves and others. Part of what makes this interesting is how much of their fight for the dignity and liberation of others is their way of fighting for their own too. From a healthy standpoint and from the len of people of color, we see folks like activist Lilla Watson, saying things like "our liberation is bound up with mine," bringing to light the interconnectedness of us all. Another highlight here is in perfect 8 fashion action is the way forward and proof that people are who they say they are. 8s are action oriented and are quite direct. They can cause a little trouble along the way. They are clear and to the point. They are not afraid to be honest about who they are. This is shown in Rustin's openness about his sexuality and his push for equality for black and queer folks especially.

"Bayard Rustin was an out gay civil rights activist during the civil rights era. He was bold, courageous, brave and fearless."

Know of any other 8s that this article reminds you of? Please comment!

Be on the lookout for part 2.