Everything your mother didn't have time to tell you because she was too busy struggling!
If you live anywhere near the East Coast and didn’t go to the Loving Day flagship event in New York City earlier this month, you might want to kick yourself. Over 1,000 people attended and drank Ashai beer, danced, and got their faces and appendages painted, courtesy of InterracialDatingCentral.com. I was lucky enough to go last year and it was non-stop fun, true community, and about the best place on the planet to snag someone open to dating a rainbow.
Our roving reporter, Eli Daniels got a chance to interview one of the couples, too.
What’s your loving story? How did you two meet?
L: I stalked her for many years. We have mutual friends.
C: I saw him 5 times before our first conversation. Timing was off because we were both in relationships. On May 25, 2011 we were finally both single. We make 3 years next week.
What are your ethnic backgrounds?
C: I’m Trini.
L: I’m English and British. C: You’re Chinese too.
L: Had to think there for a sec. I’m English obviously showing my support for England today.
Larry, what is your favorite thing about her?
C: The list is so long. Her sense of humor. Her all around fun and outdoorsiness. She just got her Masters Degree (in Human Resources Mgmt). I’m very proud.
Candace, what is your favorite thing about him?
C: What I love most about him is I can be myself around him. He accepts me for who I am and all my Trini craziness.
What was she wearing on your first date?
L: A black and white dress. Very tight. Curvy, what I like.
C: Ok, you get bonus points.
————-
What’s your loving story? How did you two meet?
M: We met online
BBW: <jaw dropped> Really??!!! You guys are giving me life right now!
M: <laughing> Apparently it works. I thought it was a waste of time and then he messaged me. We talked for two weeks on the phone and we met on June 29th, 2012. It was a 12 hour date in Manhattan going everywhere…walking, talking, and laughing.
Chris, how did you know that she was the one?
C: It just clicked. I knew more than you [Mamusu] did. Something just felt right in talking to her. I just kind of knew.
M: I was skeptical.
C: After meeting up, I realized I wanted to be with you.
M; I was skeptical. I’ve been hurt in the past, but I know I want to be with you.
Chris, what is your favorite thing about her?
C: The way she looks at me, but I don’t know if it can be just one thing.
Mamusu, what was it about Rich that made you do a double take?
M: You just have a way about life. You don’t care what anyone thinks. In everything, you’re just you. Wherever we go we have a good time.
What are your ethnic backgrounds?
M: I’m Sierra Leonian, 1st generation American.
C: I’m Italian/Irish.
Have you two had a “Guess Who’s” moment yet?
M: I told my mom and there was never anything negative. She was very welcoming and knew I was determined to be with whoever I wanted to be with.
C: My family was like, “Its about time!” Somebody was going to do it. She was welcomed into my family with open arms.
M: His family is from Maryland. I met his cousin and he picked up off the ground and said, “Future cousin-in-law!”. We did not have to deal with any negativity.
As this day is 11 years in the making and Loving v Virginia made a love like yours legal only 50 years ago, what does this day and celebration mean to you?
M: It means a lot. It breaks my heart that we could have been arrested. <looking at Chris> I cannot imagine being without you. This is a historical event that made it possible for us to have our wedding next year. Everyone deserves to be happy and in love.
C: <speaking freely> It always felt right with her. There are bad and good days. Even on those bad day, I would get frustrated, but think,
“This is my woman.” It was timing more than anything. You’re literally my best friend. The little things we click on. I can’t wait to have kids with you.
What’s your loving story? How did you two meet?
S: I was in med school overseas and decided to try online dating. We met online. His first line was great. Do you remember what you said to me?
R: “You have great skills for a zombie apocalypse.”
S: For two years it was hard to come back every now and then, but we knew it was worth it.
R: I’m ex-military. So I’m used to Google Chat and technology definitely helped with us.
What are you ethnic background?
S: I am Haitian.
R: I am Taiwanese.
Rich, what is your favorite thing about her?
R: She has a kind air about her. A kindness in her heart.
Shavonne, what was it about Rich that made you give him a chance?
S: I’m really shy and no one made me feel as comfortable as he did.
What was she wearing on your first date?
R: Jeans and a blue top.
S: That is not exactly what I was wearing. What kind of trim?
R: I was a orange trim and it was ruffled.
S: We were going to see “X-Men: First Class” but it was sold out. So we decided to talk first and I was nervous. We went to a restaurant, the movies, and then dessert. It was a 9 hour first date and we didn’t want it to end.
Have you two had a “Guess Who’s” moment yet?
R: I met her family in the 1st two months. I’m all about family. My family was really nice and supportive. But I did have some cousins have made comments and I would tell them I have a black girlfriend.
As this day is 11 years in the making and Loving v Virginia made a love like yours legal only 50 years ago, what does this day and celebration mean to you?
S: We’re grateful that someone had to go through that hurdle for us to be here.
R: I think its awesome and a big breakthrough. Its an F.U. to the system. I grew up with racism: internal & external. I’m still disgusted. For me, I’m really happy it was for everyone. I love seeing people like us.
How did you two meet?
S: We met in college.
Carl, what is your favorite thing about her?
C: She’s very funny and beautiful.
Shama, What was it about him that made you do a double take?
S: He’s really weird. He gets my attention that way.
Have you two had a “Guess Who’s” moment yet?
Both: What’s that?
I explained the movie plot from the 1967 film.
S: I’ve met his mom and she’s really accepting, but he hasn’t met my family yet.
What made you give Carl a chance?
S: He actually made me give another guy a chance. He’s a part of my past and now my present.
As this day is 11 years in the making and Loving v Virginia made a love like yours legal only 50 years ago, what does this day and celebration mean to you?
S: We appreciate what people fought for and that we get to enjoy each other.
“Author of Swirling. Advocate for black women finding love across color lines. Creator of The Pink Pill.”
It’s a new year and with it, perhaps new incentive to finally pursue what you...
READ MORE
