Mary and Jake Jacobs recently celebrated their remarkable 70th wedding anniversary, a love story that began in the racially tense 1940s Britain. Mary, a white woman, and Jake, a black man, defied societal norms to be together.
Jake, who came from Trinidad during World War II, met Mary at a technical college. Despite her father’s disapproval, Mary pursued her love for Jake. When Mary’s father discovered their relationship, he disowned her, and they married in 1948 without any family present.
Their early years in Birmingham were harsh, facing racism daily. Discrimination made it challenging to find housing or gain acceptance in society. Mary recalled, “We couldn’t find anywhere to live because no one would rent to a black man, and we had no money.”
Tragedy struck when Mary lost their first child during pregnancy. Despite the hardships, Mary excelled as a teacher, and Jake found work with the Post Office.
Now residing in Solihull, the couple, aged 84 and 89, has spent seven decades together. Jake reflects on the past: “When I arrived in the U.K. I was subjected to abuse every day.” Despite the challenges, Mary and Jake’s enduring love story serves as an inspiration, defying the prejudices of their time.