Virginia Declares June 12th Loving Day
1967 to 2017
Virginia Govenor Terry McAuliffe declares June 12th Loving Day during his introduction of the critically acclaimed marriage equality drama as the opening night film of the Virginia Film Festival.
The State's permanent recognition of Loving Day commemorates the 50th anniversary of the June 12th, 1967 Supreme Court decision that ruled in favor of married couple Richard and Mildred Loving, with the Court reaffirming the very foundation of the right to marry.
"Our hope is that by marking this as a special date in Virginia, the rest of the country will catch on."
Loving producer, and Academy Award winner, Colin Firth and writer/director Jeff Nichols were in attendance at the Festival as the Governor made Loving Day official.
Speaking at tonight’s event, Governor McAuliffe said, “The remarkable love story of Richard and Mildred Loving is woven into the fabric of our Commonwealth and our country. I am thrilled to declare June 12th as a day on which Virginians can reflect on the courageous contribution the Lovings made to the fight for civil rights and to renew our commitment to the enduring cause of greater equality and justice for all Virginians.”
Loving Day, an organization founded by Ken Tanabe whose mission is to fight racial prejudice through education and to build multicultural community, have been vocal supporters of Loving and at the forefront of the fight to make Loving Day a nationally recognized holiday.
More information on the group can be found at http://lovingday.org/.