National Civil Rights Conference

Barack and Michelle Obama Unveil Gripping New Joint Portrait Ahead of Obama Presidential Center's Grand Opening

Painted by internationally renowned artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, the massive portrait of the Obamas was revealed to them for the first time on Sunday, June 14. The link is provided below. www.civilrightsconference.com

We just unveiled the breathtaking portrait of President and Mrs. Obama at the Obama Presidential Center, created by artist @NjidekaAkunyiliCrosby. This is the first official portrait of the Obamas together, and another magnificent, freely accessible commissioned art piece on campus. Visitors will be greeted by the portrait in the Museum’s lobby the moment they walk in, and I can’t wait to see what people discover in its many layers.

Loving Day is an annual global celebration held on June 12th. It commemorates the landmark 1967 Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia, which struck down state laws banning in*******al marriage.Why it matters:The Case: Mildred Loving (a Black and Native American woman) and Richard Loving (a white man) were married in 1958 in Washington, D.C. When they returned home to Virginia, they were arrested, convicted, and banished from the state for 25 years under the Racial Integrity Act.The Ruling: After a nine-year legal battle, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in their favor, declaring that the freedom to marry is a fundamental human right that cannot be infringed upon by the state based on race.The Day: This victory effectively legalized in*******al marriage in all 50 states. The annual celebration was started in 2004 by Ken Tanabe to promote visibility, education, and community. www.civilrightsconference.com

Today is Loving Day, which honors the Supreme Court's 1967 decision affirming the right of in*******al couples to marry.

Not all that long ago, in*******al marriage was illegal in many parts of our country. The Loving decision helped move us closer to the promise of equal rights and equal protection under the law.