NBJC Mourns Mildred Loving's Passing

05 May 08 12:00 AM EDT

NBJC Mourns Mildred Loving's Passing

 

 

 

 

Statement by H. Alexander Robinson, NBJC CEO

It is with great admiration that I write to express our sadness on the passing of Mildred Loving.

It was Mildred, a black woman, and her husband Richard, a white man, who challenged Virginia's ban on interracial marriage. That challenge led to the 1967 landmark Supreme Court ruling striking down laws banning racially mixed marriages.

Mrs. Loving who was 68, died Friday at her home in rural Milford.

Loving would later speak out on marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples.

“Her quiet courage was an inspiration for a generation of African Americans and other people of color. As an ordinary person who made an extraordinary contribution to our society she will be missed. Her willingness to speak out on behalf of lesbian and gay Americans makes her a hero for our time as well.”