Mildred Loving dies at 68 (From Loving v. Virginia, 1967)

[Blue_Tires]

Source: The Richmond Times Dispatch

MILFORD -- Mildred Loving, a black woman whose challenge to Virginia law banning interracial marriage ultimately dismantled anti-miscegenation laws nationwide, has died.

Peggy Fortune, her daughter, said the 68-year-old Loving died Friday at her rural Caroline County home. Fortune did not disclose the cause of death.

Loving and her white husband, Richard, changed history in 1967 when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld their right to marry. The ruling struck down laws banning racially mixed marriages in at least 17 states.

In a rare interview with The Associated Press last June, Loving said she wasn't trying to change history -- she just wanted to get married.

Services are planned Saturday.

Read more: http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-05-05-0189.html

---

Sad that we even needed a court case for that in the first place...rip

[Solly Mack]

1. K&R

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. But she ALREADY HAD the right to marry... a black man

Just like I already have the right to marry... a woman.

[roguevalley]

58. another giant is gone. RIP lady. You done good.

[NewJeffCT]

3. Maybe the Roberts court will start rolling back these laws?

especially if McCain gets to replace Stevens.

[corkhead]

4. you were reading my mind. Anybody says there is no difference (i.e Naderites)

or the idiots who are threatening to vote McCain if their candidate loses should think about how the court with its current makeup would vote on that ruling.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

30. As someone put it, very succinctly, this morning.

I'd rather be pissed of at Hillary than pissed on by John McCain.

[Name removed]

41. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[whathappened]

48. spelling

don't ya have anything better to do then correcting spelling mistakes here on this board , we ars not your students how things are spelled as long as i can read them and understand what they are trying to say , who gives a shit , maybe webster was wrong , if we are going to be a dumb nation , no better time to start then right now and right here , sorry for the rant , but spelling pisses me off , we have better things to worry about

[ikojo]

61. The only criteria Hillary would use when appointing a

supreme court justice will be the abortion issue. She, and unfortunately many Democrats, will not care about the nominee's attitude toward protecting working Americans. No, it'll be abortion, abortion, abortion.

Also, remember how quickly she and Bill retreated from a couple of their nominees once the corporate media deemed them too outside the mainstream.

[IronLionZion]

5. RIP Mrs. Loving

Damn! It's amazing how many wonderful things happened in the 60's by better people than me...that is too easy to take for granted. I shudder at the thought that had I been born just 40 or so years ago I might get lynched.

[pingzing58]

47. Roman Catholic Church still has laws on the books that are as arcane as interracial marriage.

[saigon68]

55. They are still counseling too

[Ian David]

6. Rest in Peace, Mildred Loving. You were a true American Hero.

Mildred Loving’s Statement
Ed Brayton on Jun 15th 2007

On the 40th anniversary of the ruling in Loving v Virginia, MIldred Loving has released a public statement that really must be read. I’m going to post the full text below the fold and encourage others to distribute it far and wide, put it on Fark and Digg and Reddit and anywhere you can for the widest possible reach. Americans need to read this statement and see how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go to protect liberty and equality in this country.


Loving for All

By Mildred Loving*

Prepared for Delivery on June 12, 2007,
The 40th Anniversary of the Loving vs. Virginia Announcement

When my late husband, Richard, and I got married in Washington, DC in 1958, it wasn’t to make a political statement or start a fight. We were in love, and we wanted to be married.

<snip>

Though it turned out we had to fight, happily Richard and I didn’t have to fight alone. Thanks to groups like the ACLU and the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund, and so many good people around the country willing to speak up, we took our case for the freedom to marry all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. And on June 12, 1967, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that, “The freedom to marry has long been recognized as one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men,” a “basic civil right.”

My generation was bitterly divided over something that should have been so clear and right. The majority believed that what the judge said, that it was God’s plan to keep people apart, and that government should discriminate against people in love. But I have lived long enough now to see big changes. The older generation’s fears and prejudices have given way, and today’s young people realize that if someone loves someone they have a right to marry.

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.

More:
http://www.positiveliberty.com/2007/06/mildred-lovings-statement.html

[Heather MC]

11. I live in VA and I am happily married because of what the Lovings did

Thank God for them other wise I wouldn't have this

[Lautremont]

13. A very "Loving" family!

Sorry - had to make that pun. I find it so hard to believe that it was ever illegal, just as I now find it hard to believe same-sex marriages are not allowed. (I'm from Canada though, where it's perfectly legal.)

But interracial marriages - I just don't get how that could ever be a problem, or how a ban could be defended in the public forum, where racists have to at least make an attempt to sound reasonable. (Of course, they always fail.) Growing up, my dad's boss was a black man married to a white woman, and our families hung out, went to the lake together and so on - it would have utterly blindsided me as a kid to learn there were people out there who thought this was wrong.

[Heather MC]

17. In the US there has been a fear of Black men and a secret love of black woman Historically

This law was born out of the fear that "black men want our white woman"

Mean while during slavery white men were never shy about their intentions to use their DNA (that's my nice way to discribe rape) to sire more slaves from black woman.
After Slavery they became afraid of a black uprising a retaliation for that, and many other things.
Also because White men had more rights than anyone, a black woman marring a white man would open the door to privileges reserved for only whites. Like Owning land for example.

Now granted this was in 1967, the same year my husband was born btw, to explain this law still being on the books, and still being enforced in 67 is, b/c of America's history with enslaving Africans

Also even more shocking is that Slavery was still on the books as legal in Mississippi, until 1996.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

24. Voting

Keep in mind that the Voting Rights Act wasn't passed until 1964. Three young men died in Mississippi while helping black people register to vote.

1964 sounds like a long time ago, but, in terms of equal protection and equality, it's hardly a moment.

And welcome to DU!

[bullwinkle428]

28. Oh, the Bible was used all the time to attempt to justify the prevention

of inter-racial marriages!

The more things change, the more they stay the same, apparently...

[Heather MC]

35. so was slavery, they really gave God's word a bad wrap

[drm604]

36. This was 1958 in Virginia.

Hard as it may be for you to believe, racists did not feel that they had to make an attempt to sound reasonable. They PROUDLY spewed hatred and fear.

[Heather MC]

51. I am from Lynchburg VA, It's still segregated!

When I was in elementary school in 80's they hated all us little darkies being bused to their upper crust school. The teachers made it obvious, I doubt too much has changed that place seems to be in a time warp

[drm604]

53. That doesn't surprise me in the least.

Welcome to DU!

[Blue_Tires]

15. welcome to the site!

[juno jones]

22. Beautiful family!

Thank you for sharing!

Welcome to DU!

[rasputin1952]

32. Welcome to DU Heather MC!

:hi:

[Ken Burch]

43. Great picture. And that's a beautiful family.

The Lovings live on while the fight for justice lives.

[Ian David]

46. I'm in an inter-racial marriage, too. I'm from New Jersey, and my wife is Pennsylvanian.

In all seriousness though, I'm very glad for you.

[BlueIris]

49. AWWWWWW. nt

[MadMaddie]

59. You have a lovely family!!!

[panAmerican]

63. My marriage is possible because of the Lovings, too! Heather, beautiful family!

[blondie58]

64. what a beautiful family, Heather

and a warm welcome to DU!

[Number23]

56. Thanks for that

Government has no business imposing some people’s religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people’s civil rights.

Her husband was a DAMN lucky man....

[CBHagman]

7. A little more about Mrs. Loving's story.

Several years ago there was a TV movie about Mrs. Loving and her husband, Richard, and their quest to have their marriage recognized. I understand that film took tremendous liberties with the story, but here's a news account of the couple's experience and Richard's tragic death:

http://marriage.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=marriage&cdn=people&tm=31&f=10&tt=11&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.styleweekly.com/article.asp%3Fidarticle%3D8894

[zanne]

9. Was the movie called "One Potato, Two Potato"...?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058429/

[edbermac]

16. Also a TVM with Timothy Hutton and Lela Rochon.

About 10 years ago, called Mr and Mrs Loving.

[rainbow4321]

57. How freaking scary is this:

In 1991!!


From your link:


Even now, in the 21st century, there are still those who believe that Richard and Mildred committed an act that should have remained illegal. In 1991, 20 percent of the white people interviewed stated that they believed that interracial marriage should be proscribed by law. While this is an improvement over the 40 percent who thought so in 1972, the numbers are still disturbing

[polmaven]

8. I find the names appropriate..

Mildred Loving surely was the epitome of love. She loved her family and her country enough to do what must have been very, very stressful and difficult.

Her daughter, is Peggy Fortune...it is to the country's good fortune indeed for her parents and for her very existence.

RIP Ms. Loving. The country mourns your passing.

[Sam Ervin jret]

10. When I see how recent it was that this country still held such incomprehensible thoughts and laws I

am reminded how easily the steps forward could be eroded.

We must step carefully on our newly cemented road toward a more perfect union lest we lose our way.

We cannot afford anymore Bush&Co influences on our courts. They are already more infected than the Senate Men's room (and we all know, I mean come on.) With any more of this influence the courts will resemble Herod's "personals."

[TechBear_Seattle]

20. And still have such reprehensible laws

Many Americans are still prohibited by law from marrying their chosen partner, despite both partners being consenting human adults. Worse, a great many Democrats not only see no problem with such reprehensible laws, they demand that such laws be extended.

[Sam Ervin jret]

26. point taken, you're right.

[ikojo]

62. You are correct. Bill Clinton signed the Defense of

Marriage Act. Neither he nor Hillary did as leaders should do and step up to explain why gays and lesbians ought to have the right to marry the one they love. Don't think Hillary has changed on that issue.

[TechBear_Seattle]

65. You mean they did not explain why gays and lesbians should be denied

Why should we be denied the right to marry our partners? Other than the exact same invidious discrimination which led the US Supreme Court to strike down antimiscegenation laws, that is.

[Coexist]

12. RIP...

[jonestonesusa]

14. A reminder of both struggle and hope...

We are all standing on the shoulders of many people who worked for change, whether their reasons were personal or political.

Thank you, Mildred Loving, for easing the way to fairer treatment for all biracial families and love in all its forms.

Rest in peace...

[gaspee]

18. From the story

"Bazile reiterated the couple’s guilt: “Almighty God created the races white, black, yellow, malay and red, and he placed them on separate continents. … The fact that he separated the races shows that he did not intend for the races to mix.”"



Yeah - where have I heard that god argument before? Gee... I wonder. I hope all you anti marriage equality people look back in 40 years and feel some shame.

Though I doubt if anyone left alive who was in power pre 1960ish feels any shame over their actions.

Hell, they're probably the old people who think the 60's were evil. Oh wait - those people are back in power!

Duh!

[NikolaC]

19. May She Rest ...

Mildred Loving and her husband did a wonderful thing with their love and fight. If it were not for them, there would be many marriages and kids that would not have happened or been here. I would not have been able to marry my first husband (who passed away in 2003), live in VA and have a beautiful and amazing little boy (who is now seven). It would have been illegal. It is shocking and disgusting to me that love between two consenting adults, of any kind, would be illegal.

[heliarc]

21. Love Conquers all...

Almost... now we have to show that we respect her memory by fighting to allow the marriage of any two people who love each other... either that or drop the marriage code entirely.

Rest in peace. What an appropriate name for a beautiful woman who helped to shape our world in such an important way.

"My generation was bitterly divided over something that should have been so clear and right. The majority believed that what the judge said, that it was God's plan to keep people apart, and that government should discriminate against people in love. But I have lived long enough now to see big changes. The older generation's fears and prejudices have given way, and today's young people realize that if someone loves someone they have a right to marry.

"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."

-- Mildred Loving.

[TahitiNut]

23. This is a remiinder that Barack Obama's parents marriage was illegal in 17 states when he was born.

Younger folks just don't seem to comprehend how much work has been done.

[FreeState]

42. ANd every gay persons was up until Mass -something neither Obama or Clinton want to change sadly n/t

[suffragette]

69. That struck me as well

Particularly, because I stumbled upon Mildred Loving's obit only today in the paper, then came here to DU to post. Of course, DU being what it is, it was already posted here.

In my local paper, there is an obit next to the one for Mildred Loving of a local person named Kirby Walker. I did not know him, but my eyes were drawn to his obit, so I read it. Among the many achievements of his life was this one, ""He was always proud that he hired the first female bank Branch Manager in Seattle." A small step forward, but an important one and to be proud of having taken this step, how positive.

Here's to those who, through small steps and large, have contributed to positive change in our world.

The best way we can honor their memory is to acknowledge our gratitude and keep striving.

[flashl]

25. RIP

[alphafemale]

27. May you have safe passage, Mildred.

[Behind the Aegis]

29. This makes me so sad.

May she rest in peace.

[bliss_eternal]

39. Me too...

Rest in Peace, Mrs. Loving...

:cry:...thank you, for standing up to injustice--for the generations that came after yours.

[rasputin1952]

31. Love transcends all barriers...some take longer than others

but in the end, Love triumphs.

Too often, this takes acts from a court or laws enacted to reverse previous legislation...but the wheels of justice, no matter how slowly, turn.

What is truly sad, is that we have found ourselves in a position where we have to legislate Equality, it should simply be a given.

RIP Mildred, and Thank You...:hug:

[LeftishBrit]

33. RIP

And a real inspiration on the one hand (what an appropriate name she had, BTW!) On the other hand, it's shocking to think that a court case was even necessary, not in the 19th century, but 40 years ago.

[TalkingDog]

34. Liberalism always wins.

We lose sight of that fact because we are the caterpillars crawling up the mountain. Every pebble is a boulder, every rivulet a flood.

But when we transform and can fly above the mountain, we see how small it is, how surmountable.

Throughout history liberalism has always won.

It is difficult to see that when we are faced with boulders and floods. But it is true.

Mildred Loving: I hope your transformation was an easy one.

[NewJeffCT]

37. good post

you're right, but sometimes it is very difficult to realize that when you're in the middle of it.

100 years from now, they'll probably talk about how quickly we went from "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" being a big deal with a lot of controversy, to several states allowing civil unions or gay marriage less than 15 years later... but, if you're one of those couples wanting to get married, I'm sure it feels like an eternity.

[NewJeffCT]

38. As somebody in an interracial marriage

I would like to thank Mrs Loving. May you rest in peace.

[bliss_eternal]

40. Well said.

Thank you.

Rip.

:cry:

[Ken Burch]

44. Indeed.

And may this soon be a nation where all can marry those that they love.

[Ken Burch]

45. Thank you, Mrs. Loving. You helped make life better.

As the closing theme of a popular movie from 1967 put it, "that's the story of, that's the glory of love".

[SunDrop23]

50. RIP Mrs. Loving.

[LostinVA]

52. Mrs. Loving was also a vocal supporter of same sex marriage

A good egg. RIP.

[JustAnotherGen]

54. Oh!

I'm so sad. My parents got married in the late sixties and then had the misfortune of being stationed at Fort Knox. Without the Lovings, they could have been run right out of Kentucky. As my mom used to like to joke, "No loving in Loving." I somehow didn't realize they were my parents contemporaries. She was the same age as my dad. For some reason I thought they were older than their 20's when they made if Legal for my parents to be legal in all 50 states.

[MilesColtrane]

60. This makes it all the more remarkable to me that Betty and Barney Hill...

...came out with their story of alien abduction in 1961.

Granted, they lived in New Hampshire, and not Virginia, but still you would think that a married interracial couple wouldn't report weird goings on back then simply because they didn't want to attract unwanted attention to themselves, with the attendant, enormous amount of hate they had to fend off for simply being in love and not being the same skin tone.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_and_Barney_Hill#Background

[Blue_Tires]

66. ttt

I'm black and even though I was born well after this case, I've always had a lot of pride in my home state (with some obvious exceptions)...We need more fighters like Mildred today...

[Hekate]

67. The well-named Loving couple were also very courageous. Thanks to them both, and rest in peace.nt

[rocktivity]

68. And her name just happens to be Loving...

:D
rocknation