Today in labor history: Supreme Court ends laws against interracial marriage

On this day in 1967, in the landmark civil rights case Loving v. Virginia, the Supreme Court unanimously voted to strike down the laws prohibiting interracial marriage, declaring them unconstitutional. At that time, interracial marriage was still illegal in 16 states.

The case was brought forth by Richard Loving, a white man, and Mildred Loving, a black woman, who were imprisoned for one year for marrying in the state of Virginia.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, there was a major uptick in interracial marriages throughout the country. Today, June 12 is remembered by many as “Loving Day,” to acknowledge the history-making events.

Photo: Mildred and Richard Loving. Wikipedia

 


CONTRIBUTOR

Special to People’s World
Special to People’s World

People’s World is a voice for progressive change and socialism in the United States. It provides news and analysis of, by, and for the labor and democratic movements to our readers across the country and around the world. People’s World traces its lineage to the Daily Worker newspaper, founded by communists, socialists, union members, and other activists in Chicago in 1924.

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