Celebrating Loving Day One Couple at a Time

Marquisa and Jesse didn't plan to wed near the unofficial holiday dedicated to Mildred and Richard Loving, but this picture of them picking up their marriage license would sure make that historic couple proud.

Most are familiar with the Lovings -- the Sister and White Mister whose interracial marriage landed them behind bars. Their 1967 supreme court trial Loving vs. Virginia decriminalized interracial marriage throughout the United States on the grounds that the former 1924 Racial Integrity Act was unconstitutional.

Though the books weren't changed in Alabama until the year 2000 (the final state to do so), and though there are still those who question the legitimacy of marrying outside one's race, many of us can't fathom a husband and wife jailed for their union simply because of the color of their skin, especially in such a recent decade as the 1960s. Loving Day's purpose is to remind us how far we have come, and to celebrate those who enabled us to enjoy the rights we currently possess.

In just five days, Marquisa and Jesse will wed among beloved friends and family with a marriage license that won't be questioned in any state. Thank you Mildred and Richard. We know you didn't set out to change the world, but your refusal to back down did just that for this couple.

Yours in Love,

Shannon