How love defeated Interracial Prejudice
Mary and Jake Jacobs became one of the first interracial couples to officially marry in Britain in the late 1940s. They proved that love is stronger than prejudice: they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary!
Mary and Jake Jacobs have been together for over 70 years, but they still love each other. Once, because of a wedding with a black man, Mary's parents disowned her - but she still has no regrets.
Jake was originally from Trinidad, during the Second World War he served in the British Army. That's when they met Mary and fell in love with each other. After the war, Jake had to leave for his homeland, but soon he realized that he could not live without Mary — and returned to her. They never parted again.
When Mary informed her father that she was going to marry a black man from Trinidad, he told her: "If you do this, you will never set foot in my house again!" But Mary did not give up, although she soon realized that many people think the same as her father.
Little by little, however, life was getting better. Mary went to work as a teacher and was in very good standing. Jake worked in a factory and then moved to the post office. They tried to make friends, although it was difficult. Before inviting new acquaintances to visit, Mary warned that her husband was black, after which many refused to communicate with her.
Mary and Jake themselves believe that, despite everything, they are very lucky in life. Married in 1948, they lived together for more than 70 years, while never seriously quarreled and always loved each other.
Today, Mary and Jake Jacobs, by their example, inspire many people in different countries who live in racially mixed marriages. Many call Mary and Jake heroes who fought for their love — and won!