African American couples from all around the country are getting ready for Black Marriage Day on March 28. The Houston Chronicle reports that this celebratory day started in 2003, in response to the statistically low rates of black marriages. The holiday, which was created by journalist Nisa Muhammad, is meant to commemorate the benefits of marriage and the successful unions of matrimony.
42 percent of African American adults have never been married, compared with the 26 percent of all American adults that have not been married. In 2005, African American Texans also had a divorce rate of 21.9 percent, which is nearly double the rate for Hispanics of 11.4 percent. 16 percent of Caucasians were also reported to be divorced.
"African Americans are on the forefront of an overall retreat from marriage," Holly Heard, a Rice University sociology professor, told the Houston Chronicle.
In Houston, Windsor Village United Methodist Church will be hosting a celebratory event for Black Marriage Day. An estimated 50 couples are expected to be in attendance. Many African American couples plan to renew their vows on Sunday and certain communities will even be having a march for marriage.
Praise Houston reports that more than 300 cities around the country are organizing events this year to praise marriage in African American communities. Texas family law attorneys also remind residents of the Lone Star state that anybody facing legal difficulties getting married can get help now. Whether you need help getting a marriage license or would like recommendations on how to set up prenuptial agreement, a Texas family law attorney can be of service.
Related Resources:
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Requirements of Getting Married (FindLaw Bookshelf)
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A Marriage Story, In Black, White, and Color (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life blog)
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Find Texas Family Law Attorneys (FindLaw)
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