Last year, Jake and Mary Jacobs celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, proving their unwavering love in the face of many obstacles. White Mary in Britain in the 1940s fell in love with Trinidadian-born black guy Jake. They stayed devoted in the face of social and familial criticism, which included Mary’s father informing her she would never be welcome at home if she married Jake.

At a technical college during the war, they became friends over a love of reading. Under investigation for their relationship, Mary’s father forbade her from meeting Jake. Letters kept them in touch after Jake went back to Trinidad. Jake proposed to her once he returned to the UK, and in 1948 they were married without the assistance of her family.

They had to battle to find a place to live early in their marriage because landlords would not rent to a black guy. “I was abused every day when I first got to the U.K.,” Jake says. They persisted in front of prejudice in society and financial difficulties. When Mary gave birth to a stillborn child eight months ago, tragedy struck, but they found support in one another. As Jake worked at the Post Office, Mary rose to the position of assistant principal and they both steadily established stable lives.

As things improved, they moved to Solihull. Looking back on their adventure, Jake and Mary are not sorry for the challenges they faced. Jake recounts, “The discrimination was relentless.” Love can overcome any barriers, as seen by the fact that their love lasted.