Loving

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, June 12, 2007, on the 40th anniversary of the Loving v. Virignia decision.

Mildred Loving was a woman of African and Rappahennock Indian descent who married Richard Loving, a white man, in Washington, DC in 1958.  They were subsequently arrested in Virginia and convicted on charges of "cohabiting as man and wife, against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth."

With the help of the ACLU, the Lovings successfully challenged Virginia's miscegenation statute.  The Supreme Court ruled in their favor in 1967 in the aptly-named case of Loving v. Virginia.

Mildred Loving insisted that the never wanted to be a hero--just a bride.  But she is a hero to many people: every June 12, the anniversary of the decision that bears her name, Loving Day events are held that celebrate mixed-race couples and their contribution to America.

For example, Barack Obama.

Mildred Loving died today at age 68.