The Loving Story

This is Mildred Loving and Richard Perry Loving.
They are Virginia's first interracial legal marriage!

In June 1958, the couple got married in Washington, D.C. (where interracial marriage was legal). However, they were arrested upon they're return home in Virginia and sentenced to one year in jail for violating the state's Racial Integrity Act.

Richard and Mildred Loving with their children
Peggy, Donald, and Sidney in their living room.
King and Queen County, Virginia, April 1965.

LIFE magazine photographer Grey Villet traveled to Virginia to cover the "Loving vs. Virginia" legal battle. His photos showed an intimate and humane look at the couple and of their family daily life.

Peggy, Sidney, and Donald Loving playing.
King and Queen County, Virginia, April 1965.

In June 1967, the court unanimously declared Virginia's Racial Integrity Act of 1924 unconstitutional and ended all race-based marriage bans in the U.S.

Villet's photos were uncovered by director Nancy Buirski during the filming of her upcoming documentary, “The Loving Story,” debuting on February 14 on HBO. The photos can also be viewed at the International Center of Photography in New York City from January 20 through May 6, 2012. CLICK HERE to read the Lovings' full story and see additional photos!