‘Loving’ movie director Jeff Nichols reveals how historic interracial marriage survived Jim Crow racism

The true story of Richard and Mildred Loving's fight for interracial marriage in the segregated 1950s, is hitting the big screen in one of the most highly anticipated films of the year...

The true story of Richard and Mildred Loving’s fight for interracial marriage in the segregated 1950s is hitting the big screen in one of the most highly anticipated films of the year.

Loving follows the couple’s journey from Virginia all the way to the Supreme Court, after they were forced to choose prison or exile for marrying each other. The landmark civil rights case (Loving v. Virginia 1967) struck down anti-miscegenation laws nationwide.

–Loving v. Virginia case cited as legal precedent in interracial lesbian couple’s marriage equality fight

theGrio’s Natasha Alford caught up with Loving movie director Jeff Nichols following the movie’s debut at the Toronto Film Festival 2016.

Nichols explains why the Lovings’ story is so crucial to civil rights history and how the small integrated community of Central Point, Virginia, set the stage for their victory.

Loving stars Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton and hits theaters November 4.

–Interracial relationships in the post-‘Loving v. Virginia’ age

–Poll: Some Miss., Ala., GOP voters think interracial marriage should be illegal

Mentioned in this article:

More About: