Iowa’s Family Values
In 1958, when my mother, who was white, and father, who was black, wanted to get married in Nebraska, it was illegal for them to wed. So they decided to go next door to Iowa, a state that was progressive enough to allow interracial marriage. My mom’s brother tried to have the Nebraska state police bar her from leaving the state so she couldn’t marry my dad, which was only the latest legal indignity she had endured. She had been arrested on my ... Full Story »
Posted by Barry Grossheim
I completely empathise with the slow but necessary change evidenced here in the face of the expectations that it would come from your 'progressive' states. I have experienced similar prejudice in my own relationship as a white man with a black partner, which was subject to the usual comments at the time that it 'will never last'. Yet we have just celebrated 25 years together, have a wonderful family including a marvellous granddaughter and the subject of 'race' does not even warrant a mention. Nevertheless, we have to remain aware of those who are more rigid in their thinking and be ready to constantly challenge. Good stuff and best wishes. Keep us updated this side of the pond.