Throughout American history, the face of marriage has changed. Historically, African Americans were denied the right to marry, our marriages were not recognized, and our families were torn apart.
Later, we African Americans were denied the right to marry the partner of our choice and many social policies and legal restrictions discouraged marriage.
We have overcome.
Our history as a country has shown us that separate, but equal does not work. In order for us to thrive as a country and in communities, we must all have the same rights, opportunities, options and privileges. The African American community has been at the forefront of many struggles to secure rights for disenfranchised groups.
What is Marriage?
As African Americans, marriage is many things in our community. It is an important choice that belongs to couples in love. It links our families. And it has spiritual significance for many of us, however, what counts is that you get a civil marriage license from the government.
There are over 1,400 legal protections & responsibilities that marriage brings, including:
- Retirement, leave and other employment rights
- Hospital visitation and emergency medical decisions
- Tax treatment
- Access to joint insurance
- Spousal and child support
- Property ownership and redistribution
There are economic and health benefits in marriage. Marriages strengthen the home and community. Marriage promotes the welfare of Black families.
We believe in Equal justice, and in Equal Rights.
There are thousands of gay and lesbian families in California. Marriage allows these families to protect their homes and care for their loved ones.
All couples benefit from the support of family and community that comes with marriage to help their love grow and keep their commitment strong. And when families are strengthened the whole community is stronger.
In 1948, the California Supreme Court struck down race restrictions on marriage. The court said then that “the essence of the right to marry is the right to join in marriage with the person of one’s choice.” We must stand for equality and dignity of all of our brothers and sisters. The right to marry whomever you choose is a right that should be enjoyed by everyone. There are thousands of gay and lesbian families in California. Marriage allows these families to protect their homes and care for their loved ones.
All couples benefit from the support of family and community that comes with marriage to help their love grow and keep their commitment strong. And when families are strengthened the whole community is stronger.
In 1948, the California Supreme Court struck down race restrictions on marriage. The court said then that “the essence of the right to marry is the right to join in marriage with the person of one’s choice.” We must stand for equality and dignity of all of our brothers and sisters. The right to marry whomever you choose is a right that should be enjoyed by everyone.
Government must not discriminate and place Black families at risk.
Honorable Willie Brown, Jr.
“As a civil rights leader and activist of over 45 years, I strongly believe in equality for all individuals and groups regardless of their sexual orientation. My support and involvement in the movement to end legal discrimination in our marriage laws is shaped by my strong belief in the humanity of all of our citizens.”
Honorable Darryl Moore, Berkeley, CA,
NBJC Board of Directors
“In our family, justice is a family affair and discrimination is wrong. We are all a part of the beloved community and protecting our families is a shared responsibility. Black communities need strong Black families to survive and marriage promotes that cause.“
Alice Huffman,
President, California NAACP
“For 40 years I have fought discrimination. At the NAACP, it’s our duty to fight discrimination wherever it appears. That’s why for years I have stood with gay and lesbian couples. Together, we’re committed to creating communities where everyone is accepted and respected.”
We believe in Equal Justice and Equal Rights
You have the opportunity to share an inclusive message about families and marriage.
E-mail info@nbjc.org and Join Us in Our Efforts to Achieve Equality for all Californians!
