There are days when I simply forget how far we have come because I'm just living, and then there are days when I realize how far we still have to go. However, there is one day that will always be special to me...Loving Day. I'm sure there are many of you out there that don't even realize what Loving Day is or what it represents, but to me it represents my heart, my marriage, my love. So what is it? It's the anniversary of the June 12th, 1967 Supreme Court decision....
Loving vs. Virginia ~ "There can be no doubt that restricting the freedom to marry solely because of racial classifications violates the central meaning of the equal protection clause."
Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple....(how PERFECT is their last name by the way...REALLY, that is their last name!).....were forced to leave their home state of Virginia after they married, because back in the late 60's their union was still illegal in 16 states. Yes, illegal! They had two options....go to jail, or leave Virginia. They packed up and moved to WA, D.C. and the rest, as they say, is history. They didn't just move, they fought (all the way to the Supreme Court), they won, they LOVED! Bravery, courage, determination, and true love won out. How cool is that!?! Because of this amazing couple my husband and I are free to live and free to love. I can't imagine having to fight for the right to marry the man I love. I would though...no doubt...no question in my mind. I would fight like a lion! It still boggles my mind to even think that it was illegal for two people to marry solely because of the color of their skin. This was during my lifetime no less. How insane were "we" back then!? This is why it is so important to always stand up for what is right. If we stay quiet and do nothing, then nothing happens. If we speak up, and teach tolerance, then everything can happen! Sometimes laws might be changed and sometimes minds might be changed.....either way, we move forward, and that my friends, is a good thing! So to Richard and Mildred Loving, a brave couple who stood up for the their love and their rights, here's to you, from all of "us"....thank you Loving's for giving us the RIGHT to live in LOVE!
For more information about this special day and this amazing couple visit:
For more information on their struggle:
(Originally posted in 2010)
16 comments:
I had never heard that story. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. It makes me appreciate my relationship even more. Thank you for this blog. Susan
Susan,
Thank you for reading and for stopping by! You are so very welcome. There are soooo many people that have never heard the Loving Story. I'm glad you found it here.
Amy
Hi Amy! Isn't it great Loving is their last name? It's so appropriate.
Have you heard of the story of Andrea Perez (white Mexican-American) and Sylvester Davis (black)? They took their case to the California Supreme Court back in 1948. They won the right to be married by stating they're both Catholics and the law restricting their ability to marry infringed on their religious rights.
I mention them and the Lovings in my monthly column Love and Romance in Color. Here's the link if you'd like to check it out: http://media.nightowlreviews.com/magazine/download/2011/normagis19.pdf
Delaney,
I had never heard that story! Thank you so much for sharing. I'm heading over to your blog right now to read about them. Hugs lady!
Amy
Loving loving day and of course you too.
....and you Soul Sis!
I've always loved reading about their story, and what they did to help so many. Thanks for sharing again, dear Amy.
Hello Amy!
I did not know this story. Thank you for sharing it. Yes, we have come a long way but we still have to go a long way to stamp out racism. We have to teach tolerance. I do not see the color of a person I see the person inside. I grew up in Europe, my Dad was a High School teacher and often brought students home from all over the world. We learned about the difference in cultures and countries.
My son and his wife are an interracial couple and have beautiful children. I love them dearly and I could not have asked for a better daughter-in-law!
Your daughter is beautiful!
Have a wonderful day!
Gerlinde
www.photoartbygk.com
Cheryl,
I LOVE their story to my core! Love to you dear friend! <3
Gerlinde,
Thank you so much for your comment and kindness. I appreciate you stopping by! I am so glad I was able to "introduce" you to the Loving's! I will never get over the irony of their last name. Perfection. I hope to see you here again. Have a beautiful night!
Amy
20 June 2014: Hi, Amy, I am at my desk listing to my favorite Salsa & Merengue Latin music and reading your blog. When ever I talk to new I.R couples or mix race people, I always tell them about LovingDay.org and the Mixed Roots festival. I explain that Richard & Mildred did for Interracial couples what Mrs.Rosa Parks did for African Black Americans that were forced to sit at the back of the bus. What I do not understand is why hasn't president Obama signed the bill to make Loving Day a national holiday. After all, he is Biracial, so he should be first to sign this petiion. By the way the second annual Mixed Race-Mixed Roots aka Mixed Remixed was an awesome event. Heidi did a great job. The highlight of the night was meeting Biracial child actress, Grace Colbert of the Cheerios commercials. Let's Keep Interracial Love & Marriage between Men & Women Alive Forever".
Nay K,
It's great to hear from you on my blog. I've been so busy I haven't had a lot of time to even keep up with the blog. I need 48 hrs in the day right now! I'm so happy you had such a wonderful time at the festival! I love that you met Grace Colbert...she is adorable! Wishing you and your beautiful family continued love and happiness.
Much love,
Amy
Hi Amy, I am so glad to have came across your blog. Your family is beautiful! I am also in an interracial relationship. Me and him are only 17. We have known each other for a year and a half. We also have educational, racial, and socioeconomic differences, like you and your husband. Reading that from a couple who has been together for 22 years has given me confidence in the relationship, since so many have told me it won't last. Thank you for sharing this post, I really enjoyed it and I wish you and your family many more years of happiness. :)
Oops, I posted that comment on the wrong post. Meant to put it on the interview one
Anonymous,
Hello! I posted your comment on the correct post and answered there. Thanks so much for stopping by!
~Amy
Im very proud of Old Navy because #LOVEWINS https://www.facebook.com/RoyceLovettMusic/videos/10154317710189574/
#SHAREthis
Royce,
Yes! I just recently wrote about this on my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AmyWiseWriter). So wonderful!! Thanks for stopping by!
Amy
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