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BLACK HISTORY SPOTLIGHT: MILDRED LOVING

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Mildred Loving (1939-2008), along with her husband, Richard, changed the United States miscegenation laws by taking the state of Virginia to court and the Supreme Court ruling that anti-miscegenation laws are unconstitutional.

Loving died recently, and daughter, Peggy Fortune, wants people to remember her as being strong, brave, humble and someone who believed in love. She was 68.

Born Mildred Jeter on June 22, 1939, in Caroline County, Va., she and Richard grew up on the same road in Central Point, described by writers as “the type of community where black and white families were friendly with each other.”

It was here that a skinny 11-year-old girl nicknamed “Bean” met a 17-year-old boy who was a family friend, according to Virginia Hasn’t Always Been for Lovers, the 2004 book that details the Lovings’ case against Virginia. The two began courting and when Mildred was 18, she became pregnant. The couple decided to marry and drove over 80 miles to Washington, D.C., in order to do so in June 1958.

Mildred has stated that she did not know it was illegal when they got, but she believed her husband did. “I think he thought (if) we were married, they couldn’t bother us,” she said. The two lived north of Richmond, where interracial marriage was banned by the Racial Integrity Act of 1924.

The couple returned to Virginia and early on the morning of July 15, 1958, they awoke in their bed with three flashlights shining in their eyes. It was the Caroline County sheriff and two deputies who had entered their home through an unlocked door at 2 a.m. After receiving an anonymous tip, the sheriff informed them that their marriage license was “no good here,” and he and his deputies charged the couple with violating Virginia’s law prohibiting interracial marriage.

The sheriff, Garnett Brooks, recalled bursting into the Lovings’ home and hauling them off to face the law after being told by the commonwealth’s attorney to “go and check on them and if they are (married), arrest them.” He insists the case wasn’t about race, but about illegal cohabitation. “I told him I’d be glad to do it,” he added.

On Jan. 6, 1959, the Lovings pleaded guilty and were sentenced to one year in prison, with the sentence suspended for 25 years on condition that the couple leave the state of Virginia; they moved to Washington, D.C. On Nov. 6, 1963, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a motion on their behalf which set in motion a series of lawsuits which eventually reached the Supreme Court. The ACLU felt that the violated statutes ran counter to the Fourteenth Amendment.

In a unanimous decision, June 12, 1967, the Supreme Court overturned the convictions and dismissed the Commonwealth of Virginia’s argument that a law forbidding both blacks and whites from marrying another race and providing identical penalties for both races could not be construed as racially discriminatory. Ruling that Virginia’s anti-miscegenation statute violated both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, the court wrote:

“Marriage is one of the “basic civil rights of man,” fundamental to our very existence and survival…. To deny this fundamental freedom on so unsupportable a basis as the racial classifications embodied in these statutes, classifications so directly subversive of the principle of equality at the heart of the Fourteenth Amendment, is surely to deprive all the State’s citizens of liberty without due process of law. The Fourteenth Amendment requires that the freedom of choice to marry not be restricted by invidious racial discrimination. Under our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the State.”

After the Supreme Court’s decision, the Lovings returned to Virginia with their three children. In 1975, a drunken driver struck the car they were driving: Richard was killed and Mildred lost her right eye.

Over the years, Mildred granted few interviews, which forced others to tell her story through books, articles and a Showtime film, Mr. and Mrs. Loving, starring Lela Rochon and Timothy Hutton. “Not much of it was very true,” said Loving. “The only part of it right was I had three children.”

Each June 12, Loving Day, commemorates the anniversary of the Loving decision every year on or around June 12th. Last year, Mildred issued a public statement for the 40th anniversary, which concluded:

“Surrounded as I am now by wonderful children and grandchildren, not a day goes by that I don’t think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the “wrong kind of person” for me to marry. I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people’s religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people’s civil rights.

I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life. I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about.”

Until her death, Loving spent time enjoying her family, her two dogs and the rich countryside she fought so fiercely to call home again. In an article regarding the 40th anniversary of the landmark case, she wished her husband was there to enjoy it with her: “He used to take care of me,” she said. “He was my support, he was my rock.”

The Lovings’ son, Donald, died in 2000. In addition to daughter, Peggy, and son, Sidney, Mildred Loving is survived by eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

RELATED LINKS / REFERENCES: Wikipedia, USA Today, NY Times, CL Reader Elisa

Concrete Loop features ‘Black History Spotlights’ each week honoring black people who have played pivotal roles in history and submissions are welcome.

109 CommentsCOMMENT?

Posted by: J. Dakar

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109 Comments


1.

8BALLER

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I loved this part of her statement:

“I believe all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people’s religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people’s civil rights.”

SO TRUE!!!

2.

Birch

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Thanks once again for sharing with me a powerful story of our history that I was not aware of!

3.

janae

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Wow that was so beautiful! Made me cry!

4.

mz influential

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

wow i remember seeing a movie like this it may been about them because it was a true story

5.

19 year old stunna

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I read about this about a year ago b4 i got married to a white girl
yo gotta do a research lol

6.

Nothing But Love

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Awe thats so sweet Love will perserve through anything.

7.

kayshia

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

i remember seeing mr and mrs loving with lela rochon only 6 or 7 months ago. it was the first time i saw it and i loved it so much. its very powerful what they both stood and its very sad she died and at a young age aswell. r.i .p

8.

AfroJu

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I’ve got Mr & Mrs Loving on DVD and I love that film. I thought it was a moving story. But to read that ‘Not much of it was very true’ reminds me how much Hollywood film/TV movie romanticises or maybe embellishes biographies. Also it makes me wonder what actually happened in real life.

9.

drew

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Why would you want to marry you oppressor …I cant understand black people

10.

Elisa

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

This was my tip, excellent writeup J Dakar!

This is my favorite quote: “I support the freedom to marry for all. That’s what Loving, and loving, are all about.”

They had the best surname for a case about the right to love…and her daughter’s surname, Fortune, ain’t bad either!

11.

Nothing But Love

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

#9 aka DREW

Not every single white person is racist.

12.

Bakunzi

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

@9

Did you get the concept of this story?

Not only did true LOVE overcome everything. But those who focus on race and mind other people’s business usually don’t have that persons best interest at heart.

Her husband never oppressed her. He Loved her and fought for their marriage.

Just because the sheriff & his deputies were white. She shouldn’t marry or like any white person?

Your thinking represents the real stumbling block of progress in America.

Blind prejudice blanket generalization across the board.
And a true lack of LOVE for your fellow man.

Racism / Prejudice is how person thinks. If a group of them get together then you have a collectively dangerous group.

but there is a profound danger in the oppressed taking on the anger and ignorance of the oppressor!

And in closing if you or any family member has been oppressed raped hurt abused by any black person more than once try not to apply your thinking to the situation.

13.

GO OBAMA

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Bakunzi, ur comment was wonderful. I, on the other hand got keep it simple this morning. Stand for something or fall for anything, ( who said that ? well said)

14.

Aries

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Great Story Concrete loop! I am always interested to know about every aspect of our history.

15.

Ysugarcoat

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Thank you sooo much for this Concreteloop. Educational & inspirational. Loved it. Now I must see the movie!!

16.

Dame

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I love these post I am going to look for the movie I remember it came on cable awhile back.

17.

Avanti

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Wow! This is a great example about what happens when you fight for something that is right and something you truly believe in.

Its sad that Richard passed away in that accident but at least he had 8 years of enjoying his freedom to be married to his wife.

The laws that people actually put on the books…ugh! And the sheriff didn’t even have an issue boasting of his own ignorance! Wow!!!

18.

Avanti

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

@ #13, I think that was MLK that said that! I totally agree. Have a great day.

19.

Lady Architect

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I love these black history spotlights, especially when you write them about black that have not been in the spotlight as others. It gives us insight on them as well. I saw the movie a while ago about the Lovings.

20.

Lady Architect

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I bet this post won’t reach 100…smh it’s sad

21.

Tbeenitsince87

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Woooohoooo I woke up to the Black history spotlight!!!

Umm although Im not a huge fan of interracial marrying (you can call me what you want but pick up a book before you jump down my throat; The Isis Papers, The Fire Next Time, and Losing the Race are just a few for reference ).

I think this is a good and interesting story about going up against our cockamamey government and getting justice.

And i see that Virginia has a history of bein a backwards ass state… mm shame

22.

Freetobeme

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

a great love story….

23.

FlyLikeMe

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Nice story, I just wish black people would fight just as hard to love each other. Take that how you want to. :)

24.

llexdiamonz

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

ok while this may be a “cute” love conquers all please be aware of the fact that mr. loving was “LOVING” mildred when she was 11 years old and he was 17 so while the end result may have turned out good this story is far from a fairy tale romance….

25.

Timah

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I love this story. It shows that any couple if the love is strong and genuine you can conquer anything!!! Thanks for sharing this important moment in time.

And @ 9.

Did you not read the story? He was never her oppressor. He loved her with all his heart. No Oppressor would continue to struggle with you so that you both can be happy at all costs.

26.

FlyLikeMe

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

@llexdiamonz

You are so right!

27.

Lola Am

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Sad to say, but this is finally a spotlight on a person I am familiar with! I saw the movie, but I agree with # 8, now I wonder what really happened since the movie wasn’t accurate.

28.

Original Truth

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I read about this a while ago and recently saw it in the newspaper. It’s just crazy about the past segregation laws and other laws specifically designed against blacks that we are still learning about today. I’m glad they fought their rights and continued loving (pun intended) one another!

29.

Karen

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I was thinking the same thing about the age difference, but at that time, women were basically raised to get married so it really didn’t matter at what age so much. Its stories like this that helps me to keep faith in the idea that race relations can change. In the face of our current election and the way that white people are trying to railroad Barack and find ANY half-argument to make to bring him down, its easy to look at all white people with suspicion. This helps me realize that there are still some good white people out there, including Mrs. Loving’s husband and the non-Black Supreme Court justices of the time.

30.

mrsdoughboy

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Wonderful story….I’m not a fan of interracial relationships either, but I do believe a person has the right to be with whoever they want. I’m so glad they fought for their love and helped changed history in the process.

31.

hotmama

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

i did see this movie on showtime. i also saw the headline of her obituary on the internet. i did not click it because i did not know it was her until now. “that ain’t even right” during the movie i always suspected an anonymous tip is what lead to them being caught. i suspected it was a family member. because who else knew they were there?? that is just my opinion. well she really went through alot. sorry to hear about her passing. there is still an issue with interracial marriages. it is acceptable for a black man to marry a woman who is not black. this man will be congratulated and praised but if a black woman marries a man who is not black, especially if he is white, black people, mainly the men, have the nerve to get upset and call her a sell out and that she did not give the “brotha” a chance. oh please!! do what makes you happy.

32.

Flygirl

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Great Story- I remember this a while ago.. It made me cry… Love conquers all.

33.

Lteefaw

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

They meet when she was 11 and he was 17. He was a family friend. Then over the years they started a courtship. We don’t know when they started dated. And you have to rememeber back then people married very early. My grandmother was married when she was 16. So it wasn’t uncommon for a 13 year old girl to date a 17 or 18 year old man. That would be unheard of now but back then it was concerned the norm.

I My father was born in the late 1940’s in Mississippi to a black women an a white man. Let just say this didn’t sit to while with a lot of white folks. And to this day my grandfather refuses to step foot in the state of Mississippi.

34.

Muslimah

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

@llexdiamonz-

While I do agree that from the on-set it seems a bit odd for an 11yr. old to be married. Please try to understand that our culture has changed drastically since their time, and definitely since there was a time in history where this was deemed “normal” - unlike today. I think because of many things that have transpired in our time we’ve adopted the mindset that something like this is child molestation, however, in-fact you must consider the alternatives. Most girls by the age of 11 yrs. are already sexually active and let’s be honest, pregnant by 16.

I do not see anything wrong with this man taking her as a wife and living with her according to their beliefs. Did she feel oppressed, brain-washed? She loved this man and was a wife to him and spoke highly of him until her last day. As a society we need to learn to accept others’ cultures, life-styles and keep it movin’. I would much rather a young lady marry a man and live with him enjoying all the rights under law (financial support, legitimate children..etc) than to become pregnant out of wed-lock and have a “baby’s daddy”. I married at 18 and my husband was 21 yrs. 7 years later I am still married and a year away from my Bachelors Degree in Pre-Health Care studies. I can list many reasons as to why a marital situation is more ideal than what most girls are doing today.

No offense to those with children out of marriage - they are a blessing no matter how they come.

Let’s be open-minded - again to each their own.

35.

natalia

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

My grandmother is the product of a legal marriage between a Native American/ Irish woman and a black/white man.

36.

Trini_Beauty

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

@ #9
Not all white people are racist- there are white people out there that stand up for us blacks and believe that we should be treated equally.

37.

gurlgamer09

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

WOW! I’d heard of this case before, but never knew the story behind it! Virginia always comes up with some crazy backwards mess! thanks for posting this!

38.

Trini_Beauty

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

@ 30

If you don’t mind me asking- why don’t you support interracial relationships?

39.

Ms Ke

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Great again. Thanks CL!

40.

booboo

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

dope ass couple

41.

Queen_Chrissee

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

That was a powerful article. I’m glad you posted this story Angela. Job well done!

42.

tee

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I would call this black history.

43.

FlyLikeMe

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

“I can list many reasons as to why a marital situation is more ideal than what most girls are doing today.”

To each it’s own is right. Not every situation that is created in a marriage is better, just like you can name a few, so can I. I know a women who married a man and had six children ” in wedlock” and he decided to leave for good after the last one was born giving no support or contact. So please get off of your high horse, what does your degree have to do with the topic? Nobody knows who you are. Some of you people kill me with your comments. LMAO!

44.

wow

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

great post! I hope everyone read this because there are many people who still have hostility toward interraccial couples. Its time to wake up and realized how far we’ve come as the human race. We need to start loving and accepting each other. Its 2008! We’ve come too far.

45.

DATDCDOPEBOI

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

DATZ WASSUP…I DIG!! LOL

46.

jhazzaisworld

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

This is absolutely awesome! Thanks for keeping us posted regarding history! I give my sympathy and regards to her family during this time of bereavement.

http://www.jhazzaisworld.wordpress.com

47.

Get'em

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

>>Love it!!!!

48.

Ebony77

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I love this story…extremely touching and appropriate if you look at the time we are living in now…ridiculously high divorce rates, the Sean Bell incident, Barack and Hillary….gas prices. (I know…I’m just saying)

49.

Mz Coko

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I too wonder what the real story was since the movie wasn’t too true. I wish she would have written a book, but she probably wanted to keep her life private, even though she changed history, whether they wanted to or not. I see nothing strange about their ages when dating…times have changed…obviously!

At least she is now with the love of her life.

50.

Tbeenitsince87

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Id like to answer “Rini-Beauty” (sorry my screen cuts the articles off so i cant see the first half of your name).

I personally wouldnt date outside of my race because I feel like although we have come a very long way from like Jim Crowism and all that, but we havent come that far, and it wasnt that long ago when white people didnt want to go to the same school with my parents ya know, and now those same people would be the parents and grandparents of the person id be dating/marrying. And although the person id be dating might be open minded lets say we have kids and the family is stuck in there ways, that would create a problem.
2. I feel like the African American culture has been soo diluted and ya know comprimised i dont feel like I would be preserving my culture if i dated outside of my race. Being that I am a woman, and naturally men dominate relationships and the way things are done in relationship, therefore i feel that the male culture would dominate the relationship (which is why some people think its better/not as hurtful for black men to date outside)
3. I dont feel like a person of another culture can truely, fully, whole heartedly understand my struggle, which kinda ties into reason number 1. And i also feel like there are plenty of great black men to choose from, Im actually a young married person (21) to a black man at an IVY league university, doing great things with his life.

I think soooo many black people date outside of their race for validation, or so their kids can “have good hair” (yeah ive heard that ignorant mess before and I KNOW im not the only one). And i think that comes from a lack of pride in that person and their history, and yeah im not down with that at all…

But I DEFINITELY feel like people should do what they want with who they want. This is just my point of view on the issue.

51.

who i am

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I never knew this piece of History and am Glad yall blessed us with it. Kudos!

52.

Darin Michelle

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

i usually don’t comment on much, but this story is amazing. as a person who has dated outside my race multiple times, it hits home and gives a piece of history that some may not know about.
thank you for this post. :)

53.

llexdiamonz

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

while i’ll agree with most of you all’s comments about it being a different time SHE STILL WAS 11 and you expect me to believe YT waited until she was of age to “deflower” her as is stated it is beautiful he loved her enough to marry her and all
but 11 is still damn 11 and anybody from the south knows that there aint nothing
new about massa raiding the “slave” quarters imagine if the situation had been
reversed and she was an 11 year old white girl would have been some “strange”
fruit hanging from the tree if u know what i mean however i will not diminish the impact their relationship had on getting the law change but still this does not sit right with me as the mother of a 12 year old @ -uslimah i cannot see the rest of your name i agree with you i married my husband at 18 was not pregnant or anything mind you i was a virgin and we have been married for 20 years and while you make some valid points it is sad that some of our young women will never know the meaning of TRUE love so mothers and fathers teach them that by showing them what a good relationship is you dont have to be married and single moms get some good positive male and female role models in your childs lives we are losing too many future kings, queens, baracks and oprahs to these streets each one teach one and kudos on your education don’t stop there i have my masters in women s studies and working on my Phd in homeland security …. but you can have all the

degrees in the world but you got to live life baby -aint no school for that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

54.

i'm just here for the free food

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

#9: seems like you’ve already been schooled…

this is an incredible story. i’m glad y’all post these spotlights. it is IMPORTANT that we know our history….

55.

anon AKA lexdiamonz

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

while i’ll agree with most of you all’s comments about it being a different time SHE STILL WAS 11 and you expect me to believe YT waited until she was of age to “deflower” her as is stated it is beautiful he loved her enough to marry her and all
but 11 is still damn 11 and anybody from the south knows that there aint nothing
new about massa raiding the “slave” quarters imagine if the situation had been
reversed and she was an 11 year old white girl would have been some “strange”
fruit hanging from the tree if u know what i mean however i will not diminish the impact their relationship had on getting the law change but still this does not sit right with me as the mother of a 12 year old @ -uslimah i cannot see the rest of your name i agree with you i married my husband at 18 was not pregnant or anything mind you i was a virgin and we have been married for 20 years and while you make some valid points it is sad that some of our young women will never know the meaning of TRUE love so mothers and fathers teach them that by showing them what a good relationship is you dont have to be married and single moms get some good positive male and female role models in your childs lives we are losing too many future kings, queens, baracks and oprahs to these streets each one teach one and kudos on your education don’t stop there i have my masters in women s studies and working on my Phd in homeland security …. but you can have all the

degrees in the world but you got to live life baby -aint no school for that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

56.

THERE IS NO NEED

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

This was excellent. A great example of what love is suppose to be. I wish more people who are in relationships who claim to be in “love”, regardless of their nationality were dedicated to one another like that. Too bad the media did not give the whole truth in the movie besides the three children.

Thanks CL

57.

Muslimah

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

@llexdiamonz-

Well said, I appreciate your response ma’am.

Stay Blessed.

58.

BEE

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

i was going to say i remember seeing a movie about this yrs ago with lela rochon. I didnt know it was out on dvd i gotta look for it.

59.

Linda V

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Great story. I love it.

60.

Shag

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Most of the comments were great, of course there was one: “Why would you marry your oppressor.”
A bit of a disseration is in order for that idiot, and others thinking in this manner: I’ll bet that person believes that “we” of afrcian descent are the original people. If so, everyone is african originally. Also, not all of any people are racist. Jesse Helms fathered a daughter with a black woman and kept quiet about it, while the same time financially supporting that child, he worked against legislation that would give that child equal rights. Now that’s racist.
This man and woman were married. If this woman and man had a good marriage, in God’s eyes it’s a beautiful thing. It amazes me how man people are against oppression, but want to oppress themselves.
Lastly, do you realize how many of our leading politicians, entertertainers, athletes, etc., are of mixed marriages: Halle Berry, Sen. Obama, Alicia Keys, Derek Jeter, and many, many very light-skinned ones whose grandparents are of another nationality. What do we do, ask these people to disown the other part of their heritage?
Black segregationist irritate me. Concentrate on these issues which are doing in our people: AIDS epidemic amongst our women, gang murders(Chicago’s in crisis right now), Crack and alcohol addiction, blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, 50% dropout rate, 37% prison populaton. Focus on that.
Focus on those

61.

Richy

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

It was here that a skinny 11-year-old girl nicknamed “Bean” met a 17-year-old boy who was a family friend,

#55 good point !

i was like 11 !!!! what ???

62.

SHAN_SHAN

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

really nice story
thnx ConcreteLoop!

63.

kk

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

What an inspirational story I enjoyed it very much. They where truly a brave couple dispite the odds etc. they fought for their love. It is very rear to hear a story like her’s but it makes u appreciate freedom a little bit more…

64.

CHARLEE

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I never heard of this story nor have I seen the movie. After reading this post, I am motivated to do my own research about this couple. Great post

65.

GeyonceIrene

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Great write up way to start my day!!!

66.

TheCulturalEditor

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

The first case of this was the Pace v. Alabama which was set as the precedent for this particular case. This one seems to have more conditions, because the couple involved in the forementioned landmark case were a singular couple, without children or any shared assets..

Very Interesting J.Dakar…Kudos once again brother..

peace.love.happiness

67.

Tabby

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

This is what you call real ride or die love. Not doing a bid or holding his drugs..

68.

glo

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

That is why I will not be ashamed to love white men so openly and honestly! I love me some good white man and I can’t wait to marry my boo. Mrs. Loving, I admire you so much!!!!

69.

J. Dakar

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

#66: I wanted to mention that case because it illustrates just how much interracial couples were looked down upon: interracial extramarital sex was considered a felony, while extramarital sex was only a misdemeanor. Shows you just how backward Alabama can be…but it is the place I call home (for now, at least…)

70.

Brown Hornet

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Romantic, Beautiful, Sweet?!?!

I think it’s kind sick for a 17 year old to be attracted to an 11 year old.

71.

hood_shit

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I just read about them earlier this year

72.

Living in the moment, forever

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Their las name was totally appropriate. LOVING. At the end of the day, that’s what life is all about.

73.

des

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

this is very interesting.. this is my first time posting a comment here.. keep up the good work guys!

74.

Pass me an Advil...NOW!!

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

i love her..she woulda been a good spokeswoman on the issue of gay marriage…she had it right…she had to experience it for herself to know that everyone should have the same rights….hell..maybe straight people that are married now should be told they cant be married before they get it as well…

75.

Ask

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

@ Brown Hornet,

“The two began courting and when Mildred was 18, she became pregnant.”

76.

OrangeSharpie

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Wow that was great. It made me want to cry.

77.

Angelicious07

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

That was a beautiful story.

78.

mzsweetface

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I loved that film Mr and Mrs. Loving. I haven’t seen it in a while. So sorry to hear about her passing. RIP!

79.

Ms.CoNgo

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Even though i’ve never dated outside my race. This is a beautiful story about what life really is about and that’s love. Like someone said earlier, i do wish that we saw more positive black love in our communities. Thanks J. Dakar for the positive black history posts, very educational.

80.

UNREAL

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

No disrespect but I have a question. While I support the right of people to date as they please, how is this so crucial to Black History?

It’s 2008, and Black men are still getting shot in NYC and beat down in Philly yet we celebrate this piss poor case of validation seeking as critical to Black History? The funny part is that the black family structure was actually in tact during the anti-miscegenation era, which is more than I can say for today. What is wrong with black people? Pure ridiculous.

81.

J. Dakar

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

#80: Angel and I discussed whether to include Mrs. Loving as a BHS. Ultimately (and apparently), we agreed that she did deserve one, as she and her husband changed the laws so everyone is now able to marry whomever they choose, regardless of race.

KRS-One said it best: “Black history is the history of the oppressed against oppression. Black history is everyone’s history!”

Peace and blessings,
J. Dakar

82.

sanrio8301

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Thank You Elisa and J, Dakar for such a moving and interesting spotlight.

83.

southern_queenLaReesa

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I never knew about this couple until I saw the movie. And after reading this,I want to see it again;since Mrs. Loving said that the only part that was true was about the children.**(“Not much of it was very true,” said Loving. “The only part of it right was I had three children.”)

The movie was good,despite being (loosely based on the actual events of their life). I love Lela Rochon ,she’s a beautiful woman.

Thanks,J. Dakar

84.

NuAgenda77

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

It’s amazing to me that there are still many of us Blacks saying we’re against interracial mixing when in fact WE ARE a product of race mixing due to slavery alone. That’s why we are not PURE Africans! Wow, I thought we already knew this. LOL

Congratulations on Mrs. Loving finding her true love and soulmate before passing away. 68 is young, that’s really sad. May she rest in peace.

85.

Me

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

This is someone to be proud of??????? We STILL just love us some massah. Those that love him/her will burn with them. Real talk.

86.

Tabby

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

@ Brown Hornet, they met when she was 11. I hope that was the case, but then again who are we talking about here…R/S/L. I don’t know why they put that part in the story. Maybe he was checking her out, I wouldn’t put it past him.

87.

ramiro

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

@9 you sound so stupid its funny. thank you cl
for this. when people learn love has no color racism will die

88.

LB

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I think the main reason why a lot of blacks are against interracial relationships, and multiracial people, is because blacks were told for a long time that they were not beautiful and not even human.

So, it obviously still stings, when they see a black person with a person of another race. It took many of us a long time to accept ourselves and our value. So, to some, “race mixing” is just a further attempt at making the black race obsolete.

Some of you ask, well the black race is already diluted, so what’s the difference? That may, very well, be the case, but, again, for some, there’s a difference between having a white great, great grandmother than having a white mother. The white great, great grandmother has had no direct influence, possibly, on you and/or your understanding of your black culture.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I, personally, believe that love is love, date/marry who you want to, but even with that, I do understand those who don’t feel the same way. I mean, there is a reason behind every stereotype or belief, in the history of mankind. So, it’s good to have these types of discussions to see where, an how, it all began.

89.

Brown Hornet

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

@ask

I saw that I can read, so they started courting when she became pregnant? Or do you expect me to believe that he held off until she was of legal age and then she became pregnant.

Only Negroes would think that it’s cute and romantic that a 17 year old white male is smitten by a 11 year old black girl. I doubt white folks would see the romance in a 17 year old black male and a 11 year old white girl.

90.

Djimon Won

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Lovely article…

I had never even heard of this incredible woman…

It just makes me mad, cause they should be teaching us these historical figures in school rather than Christopher Columbus and his great “discovery”.

CL major propz

91.

MW09

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I knew this case, but i didn’t know that Mrs.Loving lost her right eye and husband in a car accident in 1975. They were truly groundbreaking, and I hope we can fulfill her wish of wanting EVERYONE to have the right to marry…….

92.

1nubianqueen

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Wow, very interesting…..

93.

notbuyingit

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

i don’t understand why people get upset when people date outside their race. When really we all are apart one race which is the human race. Once we stop putting s much emphasis on complexion the better we all will live. people like #9 make me sick.

94.

jessme

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Wow! That was dope. I never knew this. Thanks for the knowledge and the remembrance of our culture. :)

95.

modest-goddess

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Please correct the article to indicate that she was 17 when they married. Some people here seem to think she was 11 which was the age they met.

96.

Irishgal

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

I saw that film a few years ago, I knew it was based on a true story. It was very sad what Mildred and Richard had to go through.

Like a few people have said here, not all white people are racist, me included. Mildred loved Richard, so why shouldn’t she have married him?

I know a lot of black people are racist towards white people for what happened years ago, I don’t blame them, but we are all human. Colour is not important (no spelling mistake, thats how we spell colour in ireland!)

97.

Danala

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

wwOW THATS WAS SWEET .THANKS CL I LEARN SOME GOOD INTERESTING HITORY 2DAY.KEEP IT U[

98.

ALLIHAVETOSAYIS...

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Loving v. Virginia is one one of the most famous Constitutional Law cases of all time - it it is in EVERY Constitutional Law textbook, so virtually every law student reads this case. Thus, Mrs. Loving’s legacy, as well as her and Mr. Loving’s testament to unconditional love will continue to live on! This case had a profound impact on me, so it’s nice to finally be able to put a face to a name. Thanks, CL, for another amazing post!

99.

Becca the Promo Mami

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Amazing post! I believe that any couple in love should be able to legally spend their lives together.

ANY COUPLE!

My father wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for interracial relationships.

This is a beautiful story.

100.

reportergirl

Thursday, May 8, 2008 /

Couple things about this age business: No. 1, it was a different time. No. 2, since condoms weren’t widely used and we can pretty much bet that she wasn’t on birth control in the 1950s, I’m going to go ahead and say if they had been having sex since she was 11, she would have been pregnant before 18.

Stop trippin’. It’s not cute.

Referring to a man who clearly loved his wife and was loved in return as “Massa” and “YT” is disrespectful (at the minimum) to their commitment. Please read: “not a day goes by that I don’t think of Richard and our love.”

To all the naysayers I ask: Where is the love of your life? Not that dude/chick you sleep with (and cheat on) but the one you want to raise (not just make) children with? Where is that person who celebrates (not just tolerates) you and all your flaws? Where is the person you want to grow old with (unless one of you dies, 37 doesn’t count) and wants to grow old with you? Where is that person who puts you and your well being first in their life? See, if you were minding your own heart and putting out positive energy instead of hating on dead people (who actually found that aforementioned love) that love could find you. Seriously.

Newsflash: most African Americans are “diluted” with Native American, white and other races. That doesn’t stop the entire world from mimicking what they THINK is the African American culture via hip hop. In the same breath we say the misogyny and materialism rampant in hip hop culture doesn’t define us, we jump all over a white boy or girl who dares try to “be black” and rap or sing a soul standard.

I don’t know why people get mad at people for dating outside of their race anyway.

If a black man is into white/Asian/Latino girls, why should I care? Clearly, as a black woman, I’m not his type. And (in my experience) there has never been a shortage of men interested in dating me.

People caught up in color get on my nerves.My boyfriend is still self-conscious about the blond and red hairs in his beard because his whole life women have been dreaming about the babies with “good hair” they could have together, while men have been questioning his authenticity as a black man. They never stop to think that even if he was biracial( he’s not. his parents are just very light complexioned people) that the world still views him as black and it’s just counterproductive, annoying and stupid to be in his face about something he can’t change.

Of course, you are entitled to your opinion. I’m entitled to think it’s silly.

101.

One Love

Friday, May 9, 2008 /

This was a nice story. I am Mexican-American and married a black man. The only opposition we got was from his aunt. I was so sad that she didn’t accept me. She was totally against interracial couples. I thought to myself, what if I was against dating outside of my race? I would have never met the wonderful man that is my husband. I agree with what J said that “Black history is everyone’s history”. I attended an HBCU and it wasn’t until I attended that college that I grew to love my own ethnicity. I was overwhelmed by the passion that black people have for each other. More than that, everyone accepted me for me…and that’s when I began to accept myself too. Thanks.

102.

Trini_Beauty

Friday, May 9, 2008 /

@ TBEENITSINCE87

thanks! I just like hearing peoples views on topics such as this

103.

jus my opinion

Friday, May 9, 2008 /

i agree w/ #33

104.

B

Friday, May 9, 2008 /

@ #100:

I could not agree more or said it better myself. I am from Mississippi. My grandmother who was Puerto Rican got married @ 16 to my African American grandfather. A year later she was pregnant with her first child. Guess what??? My grandfather at the time was, get this,….22 years old!!!! My grandmother’s family disowned her when she left Florida to move to Mississippi with my grandfather. My grandmother told me that her mother said….”Why a black man? With a white man, at least you don’t have to worry about having a hard life or having to use a straightening comb on your babies!” WTF????
My grandmother followed her heart and never regretted it one day in her life.

105.

UK BETTY

Friday, May 9, 2008 /

Whether you agree with it or not, they they struggled for us to have a choice. A choice for us to be free to choose who we want to marry. Many of us may not exercise our choice to marry someone else of another race, but at least they stood up and made sure that is wasn’t another thing the laws can dictate how we live our lives.

Part of freedom is choice and the ability to choose. The age difference is a MINOR concern, when you think of the impact it has had for millions and millions of people.

106.

Em

Saturday, May 10, 2008 /

I think this is a beautiful story. It’s just sad how many people still say “I could never date outside my race”, how about you go through life without thinking about race so much and just let love happen? I don’t think dating outside your race means you don’t love yourself or have pride in your heritage.

And someone on the first page said black men get praised when they date outside their race..I know alot of black women dating outside their race get hated on more than the black men do but they don’t exactly get praised. All you have to do is look through the comments on here on posts about black actors with white women to see all the hate they recieve and that’s not half of what they get in the real world.

107.

mystique

Saturday, May 10, 2008 /

I feel very uncomfortable with the whole black-white thing. It just doesn’t sit right with me. Our beautiful black heritage and blood line is being diluted wherever we look in the western world. To me, this is no different to all the black guys who chase white girls. This was just a white guy who chased a black girl and got her. It is sensationalised because it has been presented as a beautiful struggle. Whose life is ever easy?

i’m not impressed. Show me a black love story any day over this. This is not black history but a dilution of black history.

108.

me

Sunday, May 11, 2008 /

This is a beautiful story!
@ the people who r saying that the age difference was too large, remember that they MET when she was 11years old and he was 17 years old-there is no evidence to suggest that anything sexual occured until she got pregnant at 18 years. And, as somebody earlier rightly stated, if they were having sex before then she probably would have got pregnant earlier than when she was 18 because people back then didnt have the same access to birth control as we do now. Stop trying to ‘dirty’ what was a very beautiful thing.

109.

leekagyrl

Sunday, May 11, 2008 /

This is a beautiful story. Thank you for posting. BTW, you all are doing a great job with the site.