Recognition

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Loving Day Resolution Cambridge MA 05/22/17 2 column

City of Cambridge

R-8
IN CITY COUNCIL
May 22, 2017

VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY

WHEREAS: Mildred Jean (Jeter) Loving and Richard Perry Loving from the state of Virginia
married for love in 1958, but traveled to Washington D.C to get married because it was
illegal for an interracial couple to marry in Virginia; and

WHEREAS: The Lovings returned to Virginia to be near their families, but soon after their return, the police raided their home in the middle of the night and arrested the couple; they avoided going to jail by agreeing to a suspended sentence on the condition that they permanently move out of the state; and

WHEREAS: The couple returned to Washington D.C., where life was difficult for them because of social isolation and financial problems, though they were saddened and frustrated by their inability to travel together to visit their home and families in Virginia; and

WHEREAS: The Lovings fought the law that prohibited them to live as a legally married couple in their state by taking their case all the way to the United States Supreme Court; and

WHEREAS: On June 12, 1967, in a landmark civil rights decision, the Supreme Court struck down the Virginia Interracial Marriage Ban Law and similar laws in 15 other states because it violated the 14th amendment and the Lovings could now return to their home without fear of persecution; and

WHEREAS: Mildred Loving issued a public statement in 2007 on the 40th anniversary of The Supreme Court decision:

“I am still not a political person, but I am proud that Richard’s and my name is on a court case that can help reinforce the love, the commitment, the fairness, and the family that so many people, black or white, young or old, gay or straight seek in life.”; and

WHEREAS: The courage of the Lovings is an inspiration to us all and a true example of perseverance and persistence in the face of great struggle; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That Cambridge celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in the case Loving v. Virginia and that the City Council officially declare June 12 to be Loving Day in Cambridge in the years that follow with the goal of making this day an opportunity to recognize and accept and applaud all kinds of families.

In City Council May 22, 2017.
Adopted by the affirmative vote of nine members.
Attest:- Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk

A true copy;

ATTEST:-
(Signature)
Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk

Details

Recognition Date: May 22, 2017
Recognition Credit: Mixed Roots Stories and Loving Day Cambridge
City: Cambridge
State (if in the U.S.): Massachusetts
Country: United States