An interracial marriage and landmark Supreme Court case that changed the course of history is the subject of a film screening and symposium March 1-2 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The events are hosted by the Center for the Study of the American South in UNC’s College of Arts and Sciences.
“The Loving Story” tells the story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple living in Virginia in the 1950s. The film examines the drama, history and current state of interracial marriage and tolerance in the United States. It was short-listed for an Academy Award for best documentary film.
The Hollywood Reporter wrote: “’The Loving Story’ is a perfect time capsule that illuminates the racist past of our country with a uniquely personal and poignant emphasis.”
The film will be screened on March 1 at 7 p.m. at the Varsity Theater on Franklin Street. It will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Gene Nichol, UNC’s Boyd Tinsley Distinguished Professor of Law and director of the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity. The movie is free for students with a valid ID and $4 for the general public.
Panelists include:
- Edward Ayers, president of the University of Richmond and distinguished historian of the American South.
- Mark Anthony Neal, professor of African and African American Studies, Duke University.
- Robin Lenhardt, associate professor of law, Fordham University School of Law.
- George La Noue, professor of political science, University of Maryland.
On March 2, the Center, with support from the Institute for the Arts and Humanities, will hold a symposium, “Loving Then and Now: The Context and Impact of a Landmark Civil Rights Opinion,” in Hyde Hall. It will bring scholars together to discuss the film from historical, legal and cultural perspectives. A noon lunch discussion will feature filmmakers Nancy Buirski and Elisabeth James. Space is limited. Please call (919) 962-5665 or go online to register.
Information about panel topics and participants is listed below.
- 9:30 a.m.: “History’s Shadow: Slavery and Status,” moderated by Anna Krome-Lukens, a UNC Ph.D. candidate in history.
Panelists:- Edward Ayers, president of the University of Richmond, and distinguished historian of the American South.
- Grace Hale, professor of history, University of Virginia.
- Shannon Eaves, a UNC Ph.D. candidate in history.
- 10:45 a.m.: “Law and the Color Line,” moderated by David Palmer, a UNC lecturer in the department of history.
Panelists:- George La Noue, professor of political science, University of Maryland.
- Robin Lenhardt, associate professor of law, Fordham University School of Law.
- Eric Muller, Dan K. Moore Distinguished Professor of Law at UNC School of Law, and faculty director, Center for Faculty Excellence.
- 1 p.m.: “Loving and Survival: Exile and Place,” moderated by Ali Neff, UNC Ph.D. candidate in communication studies.
Panelists:- Tom Rankin, director of the Center for Documentary Studies, and associate professor of the practice, Duke University.
- Hodding Carter, UNC professor of Leadership and Public Policy.
