Loving Month: Archival Resources

Written by Melissa Magnuson-Cannady and published as part of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Journal of Undergraduate Research, Volume 8 (2005).
Summary: Between 1948 and 1967, thirty states either repealed their anti-miscegenation laws or the states’ laws themselves were struck down as unconstitutional by the 1967 Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court decision. Although these laws were slowly being annulled, interracial relationships, especially Black-White relationships, were still considered taboo in much of the country. This research project critically examines how mainstream America thought about interracial relationships during and after those years as portrayed in popular culture media outlets such as popular magazines and periodicals, newspapers, and one major film. The articles and productions reveal both continuity and change over time and that many of those articles and productions were reactions to national events and court cases. After examining various articles it becomes clear that as more states repealed laws banning interracial relationships, more people accepted interracial relationships as long as interracial couples did not move into their neighborhoods, or involve their children. Currently, while there is an ever-increasing population of people involved in interracial relationships, this fact is not widely depicted in advertisements, on television, or in movies, revealing vestiges of an out-dated taboo.

Summary: Lauderdale discusses her life growing up in housing projects in Chicago, Illinois. She attended two University of Wisconsin schools, Platteville and La Crosse. She also comments on interracial relationships and describes her experiences as a female African-American college student.

Topics discussed include: Barley Brewery -- Community disrespect of Native Americans -- Family farm, Retreat, WI, 1909 -- Community diversity, La Crosse -- Local opinions of race -- Interracial marriage -- River and lumber industry, crime associations -- Goose Town, criminal reputation -- Police and courts system, La Crosse -- “Body houses”, wine rooms -- Gambling houses -- City gambling policies -- Anti-German sentiments, World War One, 1914-1918 -- Local business owners; saw mills, breweries, electrical, etc.

Topics on tape 2 include: Tape 2: Barley Brewery--Community disrespect of Native Americans--Family farm, Retreat, WI, 1909--Community diversity, La Crosse--Local opinions of race--Interracial marriage--River and lumber industry, crime associations--Goose Town, criminal reputation--Police and courts system, La Crosse--"Body houses", wine rooms--Gambling houses--City gambling policies--Anti-German sentiments, World War One, 1914-1918--Local business owners; saw mills, breweries, electrical, etc.

Topics discussed include: Japanese college protests--Vietnam War, Japanese opinions--World War II, Japanese opinions--Hiroshima visit, Peace Park/museum--Nolte, guilty feelings--Reflection, nuclear bomb decision--Japanese restoration--Japanese/American constitution--American racism--Japan, biological determination-- Biological determination story--Japan, African American prejudice--Interracial marriages, stigma--Japan, women gender roles--Japan, women's jobs--Japan, education/marriage--Japan, child rearing--Japan, women's movements--Japan, sexual relations--Japan, chastity values--Japan, prostitution--Japanese bar dynamics--Carelton College, depression--Contemplating suicide--Peer pressure story--Drug experimentation--Drugs, physical/mental effects--Rock climbing enjoyment--College, demonstrations/activism--College, first anti-war demonstration.