The Multiracial Activist
Statement on Loving Day
June 12, 2015
Dear Readers,
On this day in 1967, the Supreme Court unambiguously invalidated all of the remaining state and local laws against miscegenation in the U.S. due to a case brought to court largely by the work of Mildred Loving and the ACLU. Some laws still remained on the books (Alabama and South Carolina) for several more decades, but were not enforceable, despite the wishes of some legislators and law enforcement in those states.
Racism towards interracial couples has been on the decline for many years and looks a great deal different in 2015 as compared to 1967. However, there are still pockets of hatred around and individuals or organizations who will act out on their hate regardless of geographic location.
In some instances, hatred is masked in polite verbiage or through “serious concerns.” Opposition toward interracial relationships is often expressed using language such as, “I’m not against interracial dating, but I’m just worried about the kids.” Yeah. Okay. Such concerns are never translated into actual work to eliminate or overcome those things that worry the speaker. They are simply a convenient shield to allow said speaker to promote a perverse rationale opposing the right of consenting adults to get married on the basis of racial classifications.
Please, celebrate the day. Remember the hard work of those who had to endure much worse. Don’t squander those hard-won gains by letting any person or organization tell you who you are allowed to love. Polite excuses, soft-spoken racism and apologia are seldom as harmless as they seem.
James Landrith
Founder and Publisher
The Multiracial Activist
and The Abolitionist Examiner