San Jose is considered the “most diverse metro” in the U.S., according to Forbes. Taking this into account, add-in the fact that over half of 1000 polled, 18-34 year-olds have dated outside of their racial group. The results will include an increase of interracial relationships, marriages, and ultimately, children, and families.

It was a short 50-years ago, that anti-miscegenation laws were in place in 42 states. Twelve of these states overturned these laws before 1887; fourteen of these states overturned these laws between 1948 and 1967; and sixteen of these states overturned these laws on June 12, 1967 (Loving v. Virginia) when the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Lovings, legalizing interracial marriages in all fifty states. Even though Loving Day is not yet recognized federally, many cities and municipalities do officially recognize it. I'm hoping San Jose is added to the list, which includes Washington DC, Caroline County, Virginia, and El Cerrito, California.

In June 2015, I attended El Cerrito's Loving Day celebration and was blown away that San Jose, a city of a million, had not held a Loving Day event, while El Cerrito, a city of under 25,000, was successful in holding such an important event.

I am currently working with a small group of dedicated volunteers and the city of San Jose on the inaugural Loving Day 2017: San Jose celebration. Attendees of Loving Day 2017: San Jose will enjoy music & cultural dance performances, hear from community-leader guest speakers, and will be able to interface with educational & community resources over the course of four hours (11-3 pm) on Saturday, June 10th at Loving Day 2017: San Jose. We hope you, along with other San Jose community members, come out to enjoy learning about Mildred & Richard Loving, their story, and the historical significance of the 1967 US Supreme Court decision.

Thank you for your consideration in awarding funds for the very first Loving Day 2017: San Jose celebration.