Why I Celebrate Loving Day
Happy Birthday, Sunshine
When my mother recounts stories from my childhood in the 1970s, she inevitably includes the comments her neighbors made about her “beautiful adopted baby.” When she explained to these neighbors that I was not adopted, she was often met with a look of confusion, which placed into question the progressive New York City that I remember as a child.
It’s been 56 years since Loving. v. Virginia, the June 12, 1967 Supreme Court decision that struck down the laws that banned interracial marriage in the United States. When I was born five years later, in a gigantic, cosmopolitan city, my mere existence was met with comments and looks of confusion.
I’m thrilled to write my first piece for Shondaland—published today—about this little known holiday and organization. You can read the full piece HERE.
My Life in the Sunshine turned one year old on June 7! I love the image on the left, which we didn’t use. And the image on the right is the first version I saw of the final cover. I loved the emptiness of the circle, and the idea that a number of people could potentially occupy it. Of course we eventually filled the circle with text—how could I, a record label person, argue with my publisher’s marketing department? There were several other great cover options, all designed by Rodrigo Corral, but the one I chose is still my favorite.
I always hoped that some new family members would emerge once my book was published. I had no idea how quickly things would spread when this CBS Saturday Morning piece ran a few days before publication. The seven-minute segment is now available to watch on YouTube and Facebook. Watching it now, I’m surprised I don’t seem as nervous as I felt when the host asked me pointedly, “If your father is watching this…”
This summer is looking pretty calm for book events with just a few things in August. Fear not, I’ll be back in the fall at universities and other spots. Event details and updates can always be found HERE.
Wed Aug 23: Los Angeles, CA @ Reparations Club / in conversation with Traci Thomas. time tba.
Fri Aug 25: Port Townsend, WA @ Thing (music festival) / in conversation with John Roderick. time tba
My memoir My Life in the Sunshine is out now. I’d love it if you picked up a copy at your local independent bookstore. It’s also available at all the big places, and for your Kindle as well. There’s an audiobook that I spent 20 hours of my life reading (it’ll only take 7 hours to listen). You can listen to the 5-minute intro for free on Spotify.
I hope to see you somewhere soon.
Nabil Ayers / Brooklyn