It is awfully strange that at one point 50 years ago, interracial couples were illegal in the U.S. However, it was to be expected since this was a time where people were prevented from voting because of the color of their skin. Needless to say, things were pretty black and white back in the day (even more so than today). Now, in 2017 we’re celebrating the landmark civil rights decision that is the case of Loving v. Virginia. Perhaps you have noticed that name from the romance film Loving that was released a year ago. Well, what if I told you that the movie was actually based on a true story?
Guess what the word of the day is kids? Eugenics! It is based on the idea that humans can bred in similar ways to plants and animals. Back then, eugenicists argued that African-Americans, Indians, poor-people, crooks, prostitutes, and alcoholics all suffered from inferior genes. Therefore, eugenicists argued that it was important never to mix races. This gave way to justification on racism and laws such as “Jim Crow”.
Believe it or not, there was a time in American history that some folks felt concerned about eugenics and race. Anglo-Saxton Clubs, eugenicists, and white supremacist groups felt that race-mixing was a problem and many wondered "Is White America to Become a Negroid Nation?” White Virginians had always worried about interracial relationships since 1691, and prohibited them. It wasn’t until 1924, that a law was introduced in the General Assembly as Senate Bill.
Thus, the Racial Integrity Act of 1924 was created, making Virginians fill out a certificate that had to be approved by the Bureau of Vital Statistics. It would be the only way to marry anyone in Virginia, and it would be against the law for a white person to marry anyone but a white person. Soon that would be challenged by interracial couple Mildred Loving and Richard Loving, who were charged with violating the law. However, instead of backing down, the Lovings stood by their relationship and wrote a letter to Robert F. Kennedy for help. Soon, the ACLU came to the rescue and represented them in the case, and since the act violated the 14th amendment, it was a secure win.
So big deal, racism is over now right? Does this mean we get to stop talking about race?
Well, not exactly. Racism didn’t die with the Lovings or the Civil Rights Movement. It is still all around us and it hurts the country pretty badly. However, there’s always glimmers of hope shining through each day. Mixed-couples grew enormously after the act was dissolved, and it is really sweet seeing couples making it work despite differences. Growing up, the idea of dating someone outside my race was never really a foreign concept. I always said to myself “as long as they like me for who I am, it doesn’t matter who I date”. Racism won’t die with an interracially couple, but with a generation of people who just want to be kind to each other. I hope that we become that generation.
