Beyond THE FUTURE: Loving Day 2010

Many thanks to Suzy at MixedAndHappy.com for spreading the word about an inspired and hope-filled Gainesville Sun article— “Interracial couples gaining acceptance but still face struggles”—published today in honor of Loving Day. Celebrated across the country, Loving Day marks the 1967 Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia that came about thanks to the determination—as well as love—shared by one of the best-known mixed-race couples in the U.S. Richard and Mildred Loving were married in Washington D.C. in 1958 and literally banished from the state of Virginia shortly after they moved back to their hometown. Their brave fight against injustice resulted in a ruling that overturned all state laws designed not only to discourage but disallow mixed-race couples from marrying.

While rates of mixed-race marriages continue to rise in the U.S., it’s encouraging to also discover more resources devoted to supporting mixed-race couples and their children. MixedAndHappy.com is one of my favorite newest resources that features more than 5,000 Facebook fans, zillions of photos of beautiful couples and their families, and current stories of the struggles and concerns so many people of various racial and cultural backgrounds do indeed face as they strive to strengthen their most important relationships.

One item in this article that struck me as very sad is the story of the couple who married in the 1960s, faced blatant and often threatening discrimination, and chose not to have children because of what their children might be forced to endure. In addition to the Lovings, I’ll always be grateful to another brave mixed-race couple—my mother-in-law and late father-in-law—who married in April 1964 and became parents to my husband in May 1965. I can’t imagine my life without him or our children.

Happy Loving Day, all!

Photo © Gainesville.com