New Book Release!

***NEW RELEASE ALERT***

LaRue “Church Mouse” Simmons is a feisty pain in my ass. I knew I loved her when we met in that biker bar two years ago. She blew me off then, but now she’s back and needs my help. I will do anything to show her she belongs with me. Even help her avenge her father’s death. If I can only get her to curb that attitude and listen, we’ll get along just fine. But, who said love was easy? She’s stubborn, independent and thinks she knows everything. I’m a surly bastard who enjoys the game more than she knows. It’s going to be fun taming LaRue.

***This is Book 2 in The Predator MC Series. Book 1 in this series is a prequel, and is only available to the author’s newsletter subscribers. Click HERE to subscribe

However, The Taming of LaRue can be enjoyed as a Standalone novel.***

A BWWM LoveRotica Tale

Click HERE to purchase The Taming of LaRue!

The Opposite of Hew – New Release

Hi Lovies,

Just a quick note to let you all know about my latest project. I have written an Interracial Romance Novella entitled The Opposite of Hew! The book will be released on July 27th and is currently on pre-order on Amazon.

Here’s the Deetz:

Kay McQueen is a woman who goes against the grain. She wants no part of love or romance. When her beloved aunt passes away, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She meets Heath Novack and discovers they have more in common than either of them think. However, when she learns the truth about who he really is, can she forgive his deception or will she realize she has known the truth all along?

This is not your typical romance. Happily Ever After isn’t always what it seems.
A BWWM Romance

Pre-order your copy today by clicking here! This will be the first time I am using Kindle Unlimited, so if you have a subscription, you can read it for FREE after the release date.

 

Wise Words Wednesday – Groben

This week’s wise words come from actor Aaron Groben. He was a guest blogger this week on my 50 Days of Loving Series and these words stuck out to me. Thanks Aaron! #www

 

50 Years of Loving Guest Blog – Lisa W. Tetting

Love, Lies and Bowling

by Lisa W. Tetting

I am usually private about my marriage. That’s just how I’m built. It is rare that I tell the complete story of how I met my husband Doug, but the 50th Anniversary of Loving vs Virginia seems like a good time to spill the tea.

Picture it – Sicily 1995… Alright so my name is not Sophia and it wasn’t in Sicily it was Raleigh, but it was 1995. I was working in a grocery store when a strange blonde lady approached me as if we were old friends. Since I was at work, I was pleasant and polite, but in the back of my mind I was thinking this woman is crazy! She just approached a stranger and asked her to go out with one of her friends. Who does that?

“I have a friend who really likes you and he wants to go out with you,” she cooed, smiling like she just asked me what time it was.

Normally, I would have told her about herself and went about my business, but like I said, I was at work so I held my tongue. The lady introduced herself and continued talking to her new BFF – me…

“My name is Karen and I come in here all of the time. I see you a lot and you have rented videos to me.”

It was true that I rented hundreds of videos to people every week, but I didn’t recall this woman. I would have remembered her NY accent. I made it a point to get to know my loyal customers so I could suggest movies to them. Oh, for those too young to remember, this was when grocery stores were one stop shops. You could bank, shop for groceries, pick up your prescription, rent a video, buy perfume or grab some flowers. And if that wasn’t enough, you could send an receive money via Western Union.

I digress, so even tough this lady was a little weird, something in my spirit told me to hear her out.

“My friend has seen you in the store and he thinks you’re cute. I told him I knew you and volunteered to talk to you.”

Wait what? Yeah, this woman lied to her friend and now she wanted me to go along with her lie. She definitely didn’t know me. I was a little put off by her, but it wasn’t his fault his friend was a liar.

“Not to be rude, but I don’t recall meeting you before. If your friend wants to meet me, why didn’t he come over here instead of sending you?”

She didn’t miss a beat. “He’s shy. What do you say we go on a double date – you and my friend Doug along with me and my boyfriend?”

I looked at the woman like she had lost her mind. “I’m not going anywhere with anyone I don’t know. At the very least I need to meet him first, before I agree to any date. I don’t even know what he looks like.”

“Oh that’s cool. My friend is really nice. He’s a little taller than you. He’s white with black hair that has spikes in it.”

I almost lost my lunch when she said spikes in his hair. I have a vivid imagination and all I could see running through my mind was a punk rocker with 3 foot spikes, wearing eye makeup and leather studs. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I couldn’t see myself with a guy like that.

“SPIKES!?” I questioned.

“Oh, not like that. He has short hair that he styles with hair gel. It kind of stands up like spikes. He’s really cute. Listen, I will go get him and we’ll come back later so you can meet him.”

I shook my head and watched as the cuckoo bird walked out of the store. I really didn’t expect her to return. Maybe she was off her meds or something. Trying to forget about the lady, I went back to work processing a supply order. About an hour or so went by and low and behold Karen and her friend arrived.

At first glance I determined he was indeed cute and he had a nice smile. He was an inch or two taller than me, but he was much too skinny for my tastes. I am not a small woman, even back then I had some size to me so I need a man that can handle all my assets so to speak. Regardless, I felt a good vibe from him and I was intrigued by his shyness. Karen didn’t lie about that. There was no doubt about it, he was shy. So much so that he began stuttering when he tried to answer my question about his visible tattoo.

“I see you like tattoos. How many do you have?”

He moved to cover his ink, as if I was judging him. I found the move very cute. He wanted to impress me.

“Iiiiii onlllly have the one,” he replied as if I was chastising him.

“Oh really? I was actually thinking about getting one.” I smiled to let him know I was not one of those uptight girls who don’t like guys with tats. Relief washed over his face and his beautiful eyes lit up.

I have to admit, the man had some nice eyes. They seemed to change colors varying from a light shade of blue to green and settling on grey. I was a little mesmerized by them and I knew I was going to go out with him.

I felt a connection to this man, who was not someone I would have normally gone out with, but felt like I should have been with him all along. It was a weird feeling, but I liked it. I didn’t care that he stuttered, in fact I was flattered that he was so nervous in my presence that it caused him to stutter.

Well you guessed it, I said yes to the date, where we went midnight bowling – a first for me. Apparently he was a gifted bowler and had no trouble teaching me. It was indeed a double date with Karen and her boyfriend Billy, who happened to be black.

Anyone who saw the four of us would think I was with Billy and Karen was with Doug. As a matter of fact, a guy I grew up with was in the bowling alley with his family and came over to say hi. I hadn’t see him in years so I was excited to see him and gave him a hug. I’m a hugger!

I immediately noticed Doug’s body language change. He stiffened and looked a little sad. Since we had been having such a great date, I didn’t want things to be ruined. Before I had a chance to say anything, my high school friend introduced himself to Billy, shaking his hand like he was with me. I looked at the exchange between the two men and turned up my face. First let me say, Billy was the kind of dude I would never in a million years date! He wasn’t bad looking, but he was lazy, a heavy drinker and rude as hell. Oh yeah, I failed to mention Billy had come into the store where I worked quite often, always buying beer, and always hit on me. He was a hound and I would never have agreed to go on a double date if I knew he was going to be there. Ok so after my friend shook his hand I turned him to face Doug and introduced them. There was a weird exchange and then it was as if the light bulb went off. “Oh she’s with the white guy.”

I found the reaction quite comical and after he left Doug and I continued our date. It was the best date I had ever been on. We really vibed. It was as if Doug and I had known each other for years. Gone was the nervous, man from the store and in his place was a man who was laughing, joking and finishing my sentences and vice versa.

Well, let me tell you, we have been inseparable ever since. That shy young man is now

©Lisa W. Tetting

the best friend I have ever had. We will celebrate 17 years of wedded bliss later this month and a total of 22 years together. I thank God every day for allowing me to be open to dating outside of my race. If I had been a closed minded person, I would have missed the best thing that has ever happened to me.

So that’s the story of how I met my one true love! Thank you Mildred and Richard Loving for having the courage to break down the barriers so that I could legally marry my soul mate.

 

50 Years of Loving Guest Blog – Cara Pearson

LARK & CAROLINE:  A Forbidden Love

 by Cara Pearson

 

“The worst feeling in the world is when you know that you both love each other but still you can’t be together.” This quote perfectly describes the relationship of Lark and Caroline.

©Vanilla Rose illustration used with permission

 

Their story begins just after the end of the civil war in the turbulent south.  Lark was a mulatto (bi-racial) farm hand who began working for Caroline’s family – who were white.  Against all odds, the mid twenty-something pair became mutually attracted to each other.  Due to race relations, it was taboo to date someone of another race and most importantly, against the law to marry.  So, it was very dangerous for a man of color and a white woman to be seen together as a couple in South Carolina.  In order to camouflage their outings, Caroline would ride behind Lark in their buggy, so that it appeared that he was her servant, instead of appearing as a couple.  Despite their love, Lark and Caroline were unable to legally marry.

In 1870, they had their first child – a boy named after Caroline’s brother, George, who

©matheus ferrero

died during the war.  When Caroline’s family discovered that she was pregnant with baby George, Lark’s life was threatened and he left the area for a short period of time, but eventually returned to Caroline.  Two years later, they welcomed a daughter, named Annie.  Caroline’s mother, Emeline, was emotionally distant from her two grandchildren, George and Annie.  She requested that the children enter through her back door during their visits to her home.  These type of issues with family and local residents plagued the relationship of the couple.  Because of the continuing threats to his life (i.e. lynching), Lark escaped to North Carolina which forced the couple to permanently split up.

One hundred years after Lark and Caroline, the case of Loving vs. Virginia outlawed bans on interracial marriage.  During the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision, Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote, “Marriage is one of the ‘basic civil rights of man,’ fundamental to our very existence and survival.”  In addition he wrote, “Under our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the State.”  That decision changed how America defined love and marriage for all future generations.

The story of Lark and Caroline is not fiction, but the story of my great-great-great grandparents.  They risked their lives for love, but unfortunately, the society norms prevailed.  Regardless, I am thankful for their union – because of them, I am here.

 

©Cara Pearson used with permission

Cara Pearson began her career as a Claims Adjuster in Charlotte, NC.  She later moved to Atlanta, GA where she honed skills as a Corporate Risk Manager.

After returning to Charlotte and much deliberations, Pearson incorporated her interests of media, technology and public affairs to form Cara Live!  Currently, Pearson maintains a dual career in Washington, DC in the field of Risk Management and Cara Live!

50 Years of Loving Guest Blog – Doug Tetting

No Regrets

by Doug Tetting

Interracial relationships, I was asked by my wife to speak on the subject. Where to begin?

I am currently and have previously been in IR’s and have never had any regrets. In fact, I am very happily married and have been for almost 17 years. I know this is not what random people see when they look at us. Strangers and even family have met us with stares, glares, and sometimes whispers when they see us together. This does not bother me in the least. As a matter of fact, I expect it! It’s sad really, but what else can you expect when racial division is instilled in our society by the media? It’s everywhere.

I was raised not to follow what others do or say. My parent taught me to make my own decisions about people by interacting with them. I have taken that advice literally and have no bias towards strangers. I do not judge people by stereotypes. I choose to observe how they present themselves. Each person is judged by his or her own merits. It doesn’t matter if they are tall or short, fat or skinny, southern or northern, east coast or west coast. If you treat me with respect I will do the same.

People are too preoccupied by what others might think of them if they date someone outside of their race. In doing this, they may miss out on their true love and settle for less than what they deserve. They are putting their own happiness in jeopardy because of insecurities. Instead of following their hearts, they let what others believe rule them. That’s no way to live.

To me, the angst about interracial relationships is more about social and psychological issues than the people who indulge. It is time for people to stop worrying about being judged and live their own lives with whomever they please.

©Doug Tetting used with permission

Doug Tetting lives in South Carolina with his wife – ME! He is not a writer, but he is a great husband who indulged his wife’s request to write this post. You won’t find him on social media because he hates it. I nominate him for husband of the year, every year!

 

 

 

 

Thank you baby! I appreciate you appeasing me by writing this blog. I know it was outside of your comfort zone. Guys, please come back at 5 PM and read Cara Pearson’s blog. It is awesome!

 

 

50 Years of Loving Guest Blog – Tasha L. Harrison

by Tasha L. Harrison

I was twelve years old and living in a tiny town called Plattsburgh in upstate New York and I had a crush on a boy named Jay. My middle school was mostly white, and when I say mostly, I mean all but me, a girl named Jeanne (who was biracial), a guy named Mike and another kid named Haven. Everyone thought it would be a grand idea for me and Haven to hook up because Mike was gay and who else was the one black girl with her hair braided up like Da Brat supposed to go to the Friday night dance with? But Haven had no interest in me and like I said…

I had a crush on Jay.

Jay was a family friend of my best friend Piper. He had an older brother…can’t remember his name now, but whenever he would come over to see Piper, Jay would tag along. And thusly, Jay and I were thrown together.

He had blue eyes and sandy blond hair that was just curly enough to look adorable and tousled.

Oh.

And…

Jay was white.

The first time we kissed it felt like we were doing something wrong. Not in the we-didn’t-want-our-parents-to know kind of way (though that factored in as well), but we also didn’t tell our friends. It wasn’t something we said out loud. It was just this unspoken thing. We would meet each other on a bridge behind the high school that crossed over Saranac River and kiss until both of our lips were chapped. It lasted until Winter Break, but by the time school started back up in the New Year, something had changed. No more secret meetings on the bridge. No more kissing. Jay had a girlfriend and it was like none of it ever happened.

Later my friend Piper asked if the rumors were true and I lied. She then told me she didn’t believe any of it anyway. “He totally denied it, too. You and Jay are just friends, right?”

Right.

It was as if he held some secret shame about what we had done. I guess there was a bit of shame on my part, too, because this is the first time I’ve ever told this story.

In 1998 I met Robert whom I called Bobby because it just sounded more fun. Plus, his last name started with a B as well, and who doesn’t love a little alliteration?

I was 20 years old and had just joined the Army. My training was at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, and other than a brief stint in Louisiana when I was between the ages of four and five, this was the furthest south I’d ever been. Bobby and I were in the same cycle and we hate-flirted almost from the moment we met. What’s hate-flirting? I guess it’s when you pretend that you can’t stand each other when deep down both of you know what’s really good.

Bobby was short and stocky which I was beginning to recognize as my “type.” He had brown eyes that squinted when he smiled and dark brown hair that was so thick and straight that when it was cut in a high and tight it stood straight up.

He also had a beautiful mouth with these lush ass lips. That’s also kind of my thing. I have a penchant for writing about boys with filthy mouths. Heh.

For the first few weeks of training we were restricted to the base, but whenever any of us would venture over to the PX or the Burger King (literally the only fast food place on post. Thank G-OH-D for delivery) we always seemed to find ourselves together. One night right before our first weekend of freedom, Bobby found me outside by the picnic table where I was shining my boots and asked if he could take me out to dinner–

Wait.

Now that I think about it, this is the first and only time anyone has asked me out on an actual date. Not to kick it or ride with them some place. An actual factual date. Huh. Interesting.

Anyway…

I think I may have asked him if he was sure he wanted to go on a date with me no less than ten times and probably more than twenty. Even though we’d been hate-flirting, I was certain that he wasn’t really into me. Maybe that was some of that shame and a little wariness from what happened with Jay? I don’t know. I don’t remember giving it much thought then.

By the weekend he had managed to convince me that he wanted to actually go on a date with me and of course, that changed everything. I was nervous and wearing a dress from the juniors section in the PX that barely managed to cover my newly muscular ass and thighs. We went to Olive Garden. He pulled out my chair and looked right at me the whole time we were talking.

It was intense.

We had a curfew that night and when we stood outside he held my hand while we waited for the cab that would take us back base.

Training only lasted about six weeks, and Bobby and I were pretty much inseparable all the way up until the end. Dating a white guy in Alabama was tense at times. He was challenged often and guys would come onto me while he was standing right next to me. That is only a tiny bit of the memories I hold from our time together though. Mostly I remember Bobby making me feel like I was the only girl in the room.

The day we left, we didn’t make any promises. He was in the reserves so he was heading back home to Illinois and I had orders to go back home for a few weeks for Hometown Recruiting. We might have talked on the phone a handful of times, but I’ll always have fond memories of Bobby.

On the 26th of June, it will have been 50 years since The State of Virginia struck down their anti-miscegenation laws, making it legal for the Mildred and Richard to do what they’d always done–love each other. I didn’t marry either of these guys, but I guess this trip down memory lane was meant to remind me of a time when I walked down the street in Huntsville, Alabama holding hands with a guy I liked without worrying if we were breaking a law.

Maybe just a couple of hearts.

Often accused of navigating life without a filter, Tasha L. Harrison has branded herself as the author who writes what she likes to call, filthy women’s fiction that make you feel all the feels. Her Black and interracial erotica and erotic romance has brazen heroines and heroes that struggle to tolerate all of their back sassing while trying to get them in the sack.

©Tasha L. Harrison used with permission

Tasha lives in South Carolina with her not so smallish men and a super needy boxer dog. When she’s not writing filth she’s pretending to be a photographer or riding around with the top down on her Jeep Wrangler.

She also edits dirty books at TheDirtyEditor.com.

Find her at:

tashalharrison.com

@tashalharrison on Twitter

Author Tasha L. Harrison on Facebook

While you’re there, join her reader’s group, The Filth Mob

What a great story Tasha. Thanks for sharing. Come back at 4 PM and check out Doug Tetting’s post.

50 Years of Loving Guest Blog – Mike Lackey

Loving Day- June 12th

by Mike Lackey

©anete-lusina used with permission

Being a mid forties, white male born and raised in Alabama, most people would think they already know my opinion and stance on interracial relationships. Well, do not judge what you do not know. In my heart I believe a person has the right to fall in love with the person that takes their breath away, steals thoughts away during the day when you’re not even together, and warms your soul with a deep fire just at the mention of that person’s name. None of those have a color requirement attached to them. Every person in this big open world is “colored”, none being really the same shade on the outside and I believe that is one of the many traits that makes us unique.

 Loving v. Virginia marked a day where ignorance was brushed to the side and equality was held high. Who has the right to tell someone that they aren’t suppose to love someone just because their skin tone is different? Does that same person decide what skin colors are compatible? Do they believe that mixing different colors will produce new colors like in science class; blue+yellow=green. If you think anyone has this right, you are living in an ignorant past with blinders on refusing to see what’s right and human.

 Ignorance is not just the lack of education or knowledge. A person can be taught ignorance or acquires it from being lazy, and living in the South I’ve seen my share of it. From the time my daughter was born my wife and I taught her that everyone is the same on the inside and everyone may be different on the outside, but so are snowflakes. Have you ever seen an ugly snowflake? Each one is beautiful in it’s own way and not more important than the one falling beside it. Sometimes people pass on the traits they were taught; hate, seclusion, superiority. Stop the cycle, be the change that will change the world. Replace those with; love, inclusion and equality, be the change.

One time when my daughter was a little girl we took her to buy a new baby doll. We stood on that aisle looking over dozens of fresh eyed babies until she found the one that spoke to her little heart; a tiny black baby dressed in a pink dress with a bonnet on it’s head. Now there were plenty of options, even one sitting right beside this one, dressed the exact same way, only white. She didn’t see the difference. She only knew this was the baby that she chose and loved. Why do people try to teach their children there is a difference? I know I’ve strayed from the point a bit, but what I am trying to show is that we shouldn’t see interracial relationships, we shouldn’t see just a black man and white woman or vice versa. It’s only a relationship, period. The bond between two people that love each other. We have enough hate in this world, be the change, pass on love.

 One last thing. Diversity is mistaken for seclusion, showing a difference. Diversity is inclusion, being a s one in this world. We are not all the same, but we are all here together. Strive every day to be better than you were yesterday. Loving v. Virginia was not just a victory for Richard and Mildred Loving, it was a victory for equality. Love doesn’t see color, gender or status, love is one heart caring for another. On this 50th anniversary of Loving v. Virginia let’s stop seeing interracial relationships and just see people in love.

Thank you, Lisa for this opportunity. I am Michael Lackey, author of The Bad Seed: Battle for the Heavens and the

©Mike Lackey used with permission

A believer in things most found silly, Michael Lackey (1973-) has always been a dreamer. He loved to pretend as a child in the forests of Alabama. Michael would find himself in a land of monsters where he was the only one who could save the world from utter destruction. In his free time, Michael would map out bike courses and fantasize about becoming the next big Hollywood stuntman. With the stunts complete, Michael would raise his sword high and proclaim himself the slayer of the mystical beasts plaguing his land.

Like most over imaginative children, real life set in for Michael.
Work.
Adulthood.
Family.

He never really grew out of his imagination, but rather suppressed it to the point of monotony. Now in his forties, Michael’s stories and love for fantasy come alive on the pages of The Bad Seed. Join Michael on his fantasy-filled quest to tell the story of the brave Zachery Morely and his adventures on Amundiss. Keep and eye out for his upcoming steampunk inspired novel; The Key of Knowledge.

michaellackey.thepolyethnic.com

Thanks Mike! That was a great take on IRs. Be sure to join us at 3 PM when Tasha L. Harrison takes the stage.

50 Years of Loving Guest Blog – Nadine Tomlinson

The Color of Love in a Black-and-White World

by Nadine Tomlinson

Sarah Connor bemoans racial discrimination in her song, “Love is Color Blind”. Like her, other artists, storytellers, and creatives have been challenging the status quo through their art, especially on the subject of interracial relationships. More and more films and shows are featuring couples from different races and ethnicities. In the premiere of “Still Star-Crossed”, an imaginative sequel that follows the aftermath of Romeo’s and Juliet’s suicides, Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers have fashioned a world in which interracial love is the norm. I wonder, though, what The Bard would say if he could see a black Romeo kissing a white Juliet.

While it is heartening to watch “swirl love” thriving on the screen, real life often resembles the closed-minded, black-and-white world of “Pleasantville”. Some, if not most, interracial couples still experience disapproval and outright racism. For those who are newly dating someone outside of their race, it can be a daunting experience. Perhaps you want to introduce your significant other to your family and friends but you are dreading their reaction. Before making any announcements or introductions, a first step would be to arm yourself with certain knowledge before preparing your loved ones, especially if you expect opposition. You can gain some insight from a famous film that explores this controversial topic.

The 1967 American film, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, creates an opening for dialogue on the topic of interracial relationships. Six months prior to its release, interracial marriage was still illegal in 17 states, mostly the Southern ones. Through the characters, both black and white, who expressed disapproval of the relationship, the film exposes the prejudices of that era. Fifty years later, even after the legalization of interracial marriage, those biases still prevail, especially among certain races and ethnicities that maintain rigid traditions.In the movie, the interracial couple faces these biases, which can either make or break their relationship.Use their experience as a guide on mistakes to avoid and ways to ease your family and friends into accepting your new “swirl love”.

THE DRAYTONS AND PRENTICES

Joanna Drayton and John Prentice, the interracial couple in the film, both make a mistake that anyone in such a relationship should avoid. Joanna assumes that her parents will approve of her choice because they are proponents of racial equality, so she does not inform them beforehand that she has a black fiancé. Despite their freethinking ways, her parents, especially her father, are unsettled by her choice and the engagement. Later, after John’s parents arrive at the Drayton’s home for the dinner party, he reveals that he has not informed them of his plans to wed a white woman. Needless to say, one can imagine the confusion that ensued.

Avoid dropping such bombshells about your relationship on your parents, as Joanna and John did. Inform them from the outset that you are in an interracial relationship if you know that they have die-hard views against such unions. Prepare for opposition. Stand your ground, but speak from a position of love and respect. Impress on them how much you want them to meet and accept your significant other. If they refuse, give them time and perhaps, some space, to come to grips with your decision before broaching the subject again.

In the film, the mothers were more sympathetic than the fathers. Mothers are loathe to sever the close ties they have with their children and tend to be supportive, even if it means standing against their husbands. You will need every ally in your corner and your mom is your first. If your initial attempt went south, ask her for help when you are ready to make another go at it. Consider using a lunch or dinner party as a unifying force. The latter forms the backdrop in the film, for good reason. Food is a common element in any culture. It has a bonding influence. Use the occasion to highlight similarities in your family’s culture and that of your significant other. “Breaking bread” together may just break the ice.

TILLIE AND HILARY

Both Tillie, the Drayton’s black maid, and Hilary, Mrs. Drayton’s white employee, express their strong disapproval of the interracial relationship. Tillie thinks that John Prentice, played by Sidney Poitier, is trying to elevate his status by marrying a white woman. Never mind that he is a doctor. She is outraged.

Her reaction reminds me of a similar perspective in Jamaican society. While we are a predominantly black nation, our ethnic makeup consists of other races that immigrated to Jamaica decades ago, hence, our motto, “Out of Many, One People”. Yet, there was a time when a black woman would get side-eyed, disapproving looks if she was in the company of a white man, especially if it was obvious that they were more than friends. The collective assumption, like Tillie’s, was that a black woman in an interracial relationship was being an opportunist. From my own experience in a past interracial relationship, I did not experience such negativity. However, I did feel uncomfortable when onlookers stared at us. Even with our inclusive motto, colorism is a problematic issue in Jamaica. On the upside, liberal Jamaicans of all ages have embraced interracial love.

Tillie and Hilary represent the opposing voice of public opinion on interracial marriage.The “Tillies” and “Hilarys” in your life will appear in the forms of your extended family members, friends, and acquaintances. If, like Hilary, they resolutely oppose your relationship because of their biases and you find their racism offensive, then you may need to “fire” them, as Mrs. Drayton did with Hilary. Surround yourself with those who truly love and support you, above beliefs and traditions.

MONSIGNOR MIKE RYAN

The Catholic priest is the only character who is thrilled when he learns of the couple’s nuptials. However, he declines to give his blessing on the union because he fears that Joanna and John are opening themselves up to a lifetime of constant racism.

If you and your significant other are religious, your spiritual leader will be a key figure in your relationship, especially if you plan on tying the knot in the future. Be open to their advice, especially if your family maintains strict traditions. Your spiritual leader may be one of the few positive voices on the controversial topic and can act as a mediator, if necessary. He or she can also help to steer you through any storms that may assail your relationship.

            In the end, the film wraps things up nicely with a satisfying ending in which everyone accepts the couple’s relationship and their plans to wed. Mr. Drayton concludes that the only thing that matters is that Joanna and John love each other. Even Mrs. Prentice, in an earlier conversation with Mr. Drayton, says that love is greater than any racial issue.

            Perhaps your family members and loved ones will arrive at this same conclusion. Maybe that will not be the case. Whatever the outcome, do not let anyone deter you from experiencing all that love has to offer. Love is color blind. Your relationship may become a great love story that shows everyone viewing it that love trumps hate every time.

©Nadine Tomlinson used with permission

Nadine Tomlinson is a Jamaican writer. Storytelling has been her passion and a creative outlet since childhood. She is a JCDC Creative Writing Awardee. Her short story collection, “The Guardians”, was published in the JCDC Gold Anthology. She is working on her first novel. You can connect with her on her website, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr.

 

 

 

I loved that analogy and the movie too. Thanks Nadine! Come back at 2:00 as Mike Lackey joins us.

50 Years of Loving Guest Blog – Gabriel Rich

By Gabriel Rich

 

This month marks the 50^th anniversary of the landmark Loving v. Virginia decision that shot down laws prohibiting interracial marriage.  The decision set a precedent in that it overturned miscegenation laws that both Mildred and Richard Loving were accused of violating.

Mildred, a Negro woman, and Richard, a white man, were both arrested and brought up on felony miscegenation charges, including the Racial Integrity Act of 1924, in 1958 after Mildred became pregnant.  Even though the couple had a marriage license, their union was not recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia.  This set off a chain of events that had the Lovings not only battling for their right to marry, but their freedom as well.

The courage of Mildred and Richard Loving cannot be denied.  They took their fight to the highest court in the land, and won.  The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to overturn the Virginia Commonwealth’s decision struck a mighty blow against racism and the system of white supremacy.  It put anti-miscegenation laws on notice and ultimately rendered them unenforceable.

50 years later, not all that much has changed since the Loving’s battle for a legal interracial marriage.  Black and white people can legally marry, and these days it’s not as frowned upon as it was, say, 20 years ago.  But the construct of white supremacy still exist, which means we live in an integrated but still an unequal society.  Of course a person should have to right to choose their mate, regardless of color.  But don’t get it twisted.  Interracial coupling doesn’t mean overall racial bliss and harmony. We still have a long way to go in terms of races having a better relationship.  I can’t say that racial unity and harmony are achievable, but we’re not even close to it being a reality.

As one that subscribes to an Indigenous Negro American history and way of life, historically, interracial relationships have proven to benefit white people far more than black folks.  A peak into history shows both sides.  While you had a lot of white people that married Negroes strictly for financial gain, there was also a good number that married because they fell in love with the opposite race.  The problem is we’ve been given a singular narrative on the subject.  We should take it upon ourselves to break down each situation to gain a real understanding, historically speaking.

Will there ever be a racial utopia in America?  It’s still up in the air, but the Loving victory goes a long way in leading us in that direction.  One must be mindful, however, that the belief that love sees no color is a myth.  Love indeed does see color.  The difference is one chooses to love after the fact.  That’s real love.  And while I don’t know the Lovings story enough to know if that was indeed the case with them, I do know they sure played the part.

Much respect to Mildred and Richard Loving for standing up for what they believed in.

 

©Gabriel Rich used with permission

In the entertainment world, Gabriel has been on the cutting edge as a voice for indie soul music for over a decade, writing for such publications as Soul Tracks, Independent Weekly, Bsoul.TV, and Soulinterviews.com, (Sweden) where he served as the senior music writer from 2008 to 2013. He also is the senior music writer for Tribes Magazine. The creator of Starchild 7 Public Relations, Gabriel has worked with an impressive list of actors, book authors and independent music artists. Some of Starchild 7 PR’s clients include: actor Derrick Simmons (The Wire, Paid in Full), novelist L.A. Banks (the Vampire Huntress series), and music artists such as YahZarah, Xavier, (Blackball Universe) Stacye Branche, Edwin Lugo, Kelli Sae, Rhonda Thomas and Purpose Records. Gabriel is the host of “The Rich Report” on Blogtalk Radio.

Thanks so much Gabe! This was very insightful. Join us at 1:00 as we welcome Nadine Tomlinson!