The Love Story of Mildred and Richard Loving: A Fight for Equality

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving grew up in Caroline County, Virginia. They fell in love and, in 1958, travelled to Washington, D.C. to marry, because Virginia law banned marriage between white and non-white people.

Arrested for being married

Weeks after returning home, police raided their bedroom at night. The couple was convicted and given a choice: prison, or leave Virginia for 25 years. They moved to Washington, D.C., missing their families and rural life.

The case

In 1963 Mildred wrote to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who referred her to the American Civil Liberties Union. Their case reached the US Supreme Court, which ruled unanimously on June 12, 1967 that bans on interracial marriage were unconstitutional.

Their legacy

June 12 is now celebrated as Loving Day. Today, millions of couples enjoy the freedom the Lovings fought for — a freedom summed up by Richard's simple message to the court: tell them he loved his wife.

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