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Love & Death
The Loving case, the “Pulse Massacre,” & the freedom to love
Today is June 12.
It is a day of historical importance regarding all Americans, and human beings, at least those of goodwill and real love.
Two diametrically opposed historical events occurred today. Both are tragedies but one turned out well, in the end. The other event remains with us, and especially so, now as violence continues in America in random places.
Loving v. Virginia
On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in Loving v. Virginia. This is the interracial marriage case. Before that date, a person classified as “black” could not marry a person classified as “white.” It was illegal in the United States of America.
Here is how the case came about:
Mildred and Richard fell in love in their home area in Virginia. They eventually traveled to Washington D.C. and got married. They returned to Virginia but it was “was actually illegal” in Virginia (and in 15 other states) “for a black and white couple to marry” pursuant to a 1924 law in Virginia.
Eventually, they were arrested, and jailed. They were forced to leave Virginia and go live in Washington D.C. They were ordered by the judge not to return for 25 years.
