Love in Black and White: The Triumph of Love Over Prejudice and Taboo (39 page)

We appreciate the kind words from initially skeptical family members and friends, though we long ago agreed that whether society accepted us or not, as long as we had each other and faith in our love, we would find ways of being happy and fulfilled.

Writing this book has meant far more to us than merely telling a story about interracial love. Reading each other’s versions of our early relationship led to a greater understanding of one another and our past, strengthened our love, fueled our dedication to fighting bigotry, and made us hopeful that blacks and whites can relate as human beings, can reduce and even eliminate the tensions and barriers that now divide them. Meeting and interviewing other mixed couples inspired us, made us proud of our relationship, and confirmed our belief that we are not fugitives from the 4real” world or social outcasts, but living proof that blacks and whites do not have to hate each other.

Racism is essentially a problem of the heart. Pervert the human heart, which was made to feel and to love and to care, and you get cancers like racism and injustice. If in our hearts we truly accept one another as fellow human beings, many of our intractable problems would have solutions, and there would be no limit to the good we could do in making our world a better place for all.