June 12 is Loving Day in the United States. It celebrates the anniversary of the day that the US Supreme Court ruled that banning interracial* marriage was unconstitutional. This year marked the 43rd anniversary. That means that less than a decade before I was born, marriages were illegal between black people and white people in the US.
Until 2 days ago, I had no idea that this day existed or that Mildred and Richard Loving fought for their love and life together. I learned about Loving Day on Twitter and it doesn’t really surprise me that I had been unaware of it. One obvious reason is that I am Canadian and US laws and Supreme Court rulings don’t apply.
After a quick internet scan, I was unable to find any information about similar laws that existed in Canada. That is not to say they didn’t exist, though. The Indian Act, for example, laid out specific implications for First Nations people (specifically women) who married anyone without status.
Even as a Canadian, I deeply appreciate what this couple went through, fought for, and sacrificed for their right to be together. Couples like them have paved the way for my family – for my relationship with Mr. T.
I am very glad to have learned of this story and to share it with you.
*I am not a fan of this word for a number of reasons but am using it for lack of a suitable alternative