A Shameful Denial of Marriage

In 1958, Mildred and Richard Loving of Virginia, married in Washington D.C. because it was illegal for them to marry in their home state and 14 others. Why?

Because Richard was white and Mildred was black.

Upon returning home they were both arrested and sentenced to one year in prison which would have been suspended if they left the state. 

In 1965 Life Magazine sent Grey Villet to the Loving's home to take these pictures.

In 1967 the Federal Government abolished all laws that prohibited interracial marriage. Why?

Because love does not discriminate.

At the time of their marriage, bigoted people justified the illegality of their union by claiming that it was unnatural, a sin against God's will and akin to a man lying with a beast.

Religion was used as a divisive tool to deny this beautiful example of a loving, committed couple based solely upon their appearance.  

I am grateful for the Lovings because I to am the product of racial mixing. My grandparents and great grandparents strayed from social norms and married on the basis of who they loved, not who they were supposed to be with.

You would think that we would be beyond such absurdity, but we are not. Today, millions of people are standing firmly upon their religious platforms, vehemently denying other people the right to marry. Between the opposing sides, billions of dollars have been spent on this battle. Billions!

One side wants to be treated fairly, the other side is protecting sanctity. Ironically, Virginia was protecting sanctity as well back in 1958 when they arrested Mr. and Mrs. Loving, but judging by these pictures, I would assert that their love and commitment to each other and their children was no less than that of any white couple.

I am grateful for Mildred and Richard Loving. Hate and fear discriminate. Not love.

I would like to thank Sarah B. Weir, Yahoo! Blogger: "Tender Photos Unearthed from a Turbulent Time"