Megan and Justin’s Loving Portraits

If you know me, then you probably know Megan. She’s my best friend. My ride or die. The peanut butter to my jelly. Anytime she comes to visit, we make time to shoot a portrait session because… heck I don’t even remember why but it’s tradition now.

And if you know Megan, then you definitely know Justin. He’s her husband. Her rock. Her everything.

And if it was 51 years ago, these photos wouldn’t exist. Their interracial marriage would have been illegal.

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In 1958, a black 17-year-old woman named Mildred Jeter married the love of her life, a white 23-year-old construction worker named Richard Loving. Today marks the 51-year anniversary of the 1967 United States Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia which struck down all anti-miscegenation laws remaining in sixteen U.S. states. Interracial marriage was finally made legal across the United States. Let that sink in… 1967. 1967.

Even though there has been legislation passed, there is still work to do to ensure that the tireless efforts of the Lovings is not merely relegated to a day, but more of an attitude of acceptance. Especially in today’s climate, immigrants such as Liberian-born Justin have to fight for not only acceptance, but also the right to live here.

Thanks to Mildred and Richard, I was able to make these incredible portraits of my beautiful friends. And thanks to Mildred and Richard, Megan and Justin will be able to celebrate their 7 year anniversary.