BOISE, Idaho — 57 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized interracial marriage in the landmark case Loving v. Virginia. To commemorate Loving Day, a local nonprofit organized a mixer at a downtown Boise bar.
"It wasn't all that long ago that it would have been illegal for us to be married," John Eckhard said, sitting next to his wife, Rebecca.
The two met in Uganda, Rebecca's home country, in 2013. They married two years later after moving to the U.S.
"She's the kindest, most beautiful person I've ever met," John said.
Rebecca loves how humble and supportive her husband is.
"He's very loving," she said. "You don't find that every day."
Still, the couple said they face a lot of prejudice, even losing several friends and family over the relationship. John said they were shocked at the amount of resistance they got — part of the reason Wednesday's event means so much to them.
"It reminds us of the community that might be going through the same kind of situation," Rebecca said.
The event is the kickoff of Juneteenth Idaho's Juneteenth celebration, a federal holiday on the 19th that celebrates the end of slavery.
Claire-Marie Owens is one of the founders. The nonprofit, which organized the event, is dedicated to supporting and uplifting Black communities.
As the child of an interracial couple, she said it made her happy seeing everyone turn out for the mixer.
"I think it's important that we remember how far we've come and the things that we've done to get here," she said. "I think it's important that we also celebrate the hard work of the Lovings and all the other couples that had to fight for housing or just fight for the right to be together."
Owens said proceeds from the upcoming events will go toward the nonprofit and the community center they plan on opening in Boise.
Upcoming events:
- Juneteenth Idaho Awards Show: June 14
- 6-9 p.m. at The Sapphire Room in Boise.
- Tickets are $10 per person, available on Eventbrite or at the door.
- Family Skate Night: June 15
- 6-8:30 p.m. at Treasure Valley Skate.
- Tickets include admission, skate rental, and refreshments. Pre-sale tickets are $10 per person on Eventbrite or $15 at the door.
- The After Party: June 15
- 9 p.m.-late at Off the Clock in Meridian.
- Enjoy music, dancing and drinks at this 21+ event.
- Juneteenth Idaho Family Reunion: June 16
- 3-8 p.m. at Veteran's Memorial Park in Garden City.
- Enjoy a day of family-friendly activities, games and food.
- Charity Night at Bardenay Eagle: June 17
- 5 p.m.-close at Bardenay Eagle in Eagle.
- Dine with friends and family to support Juneteenth Idaho.
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