the color of love: meet the Lovings

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I love a good historical documentary. there’s something about hearing the stories and seeing images from a particular period in time that leaves me feeling informed and more appreciative for the life I live. despite having watched a cable movie about this couple some years ago, I am looking forward to Nancy Buirski’s documentary, The Loving Story (debuting February 14 on HBO).

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Buirski’s documentary recounts the midcentury struggle of Richard Loving, a white man, and Mildred Jeter, a part black, part Native American woman, to have their marriage recognized. after their 1958 union was declared illegal in their home state of Virginia, the couple was first jailed then banished from Virginia altogether. the Lovings spent nine years fighting the ruling, per Buirski, “they were not activists but they realized their case could make a difference“.

and it did. the Supreme Court ruled for the Lovings in 1967, overturning bans on interracial marriage in 16 states. shockingly, Alabama was the last state to comply, refusing to do so until the year 2000! I still can’t wrap my head around the startling fact that I was well into my 20’s and interracial marriage was still illegal in at least one state. seriously horrifying.

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the couple had three children, Peggy, Sidney and Donald (pictured above). Peggy was a great source of information for Nancy Buirski; her interviews are featured in the documentary. they also have eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. what a family their love created!

personally, I don’t believe in ‘interracial’ marriage nor do I believe in ‘gay’ marriage. I believe in marriage and I believe in love. and whether that love is found with someone who shares your sex or does not share your skin color makes no nevermind as far as I’m concerned. I find it ridiculous that governmental policies and political agendas constantly interfere in matters of the heart.

for me, the Loving’s story touches close to home. I wouldn’t be here if a black man and Italian woman hadn’t fallen in love, married and had 5 children, the eldest of whom is my mom. my grandparents married in 1954 and faced their own challenges along the way. life-changing challenges, indeed. but that’s for another post, a long time from now.

I hope you’ll join me in watching the Loving’s story. I’m sure it will be enlightening and informative…..

Richard Loving died in a car accident in 1975. Mildred Loving died from pneumonia complications in 2008.

2 comments on “the color of love: meet the Lovings”

1. virtuos and beautiful

   February 8, 2012

   

   What? Alabama got rid of marriage until 2000. That tells you how much work the U.S. still needs to do regarding issues of race, gender and sexuality. The story of the Lovings is amazing, and I am really happy that they were willing to fight for their love, and thus also fought for the marriages of others.

   Reply
   • suite7beautytalk

     February 9, 2012

     

     How unbelievable is that!? I’m still having a hard time with that one…

     Reply

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