The Black United Students Social Club and the Marshall University Libraries presented a showing of “The Loving Story” Tuesday in the John Deaver Drinko Library as a part of Black History Month.

The 77-minute film documents the story of Richard and Mildred Loving during the days of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1980s.

The film chronicles the hardships and torments they suffered as a result of Richard being white and Mildred being black in the small town of Bowling Green, Virginia. The Lovings eventually meet two ambitious lawyers who are determined to take their case all the way to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in Loving v. Virginia invalidated all laws in the U.S. prohibiting interracial marriage.

The film contains interviews with the Lovings and those affiliated with them, such as the deputy sheriff of the town where the Lovings lived.

Approximately 20 to 30 students attended the screening and refreshments were served.

After the film, Frances Stevens, president of the BUSSC, had an open discussion on the problems facing interracial couples today.

“Even though its 2015, it’s still an issue.” Stevens said.

Stevens talked about her relationship with her boyfriend and how people still stare at them when they are out together. Stevens said she hopes progress will continue to be made at Marshall and across the country. The BUSSC has similar events planned throughout the semester.

The club’s goal is to support the physical, social and psychological development of its members and to be the voice of the African-American community at Marshall.

Matthew Eplion can be contacted at [email protected].