“The Loving Story” Screening Event

Thursday, September 22, 2016

On the evening of September 20, 2016, Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian had the honor of sponsoring a historic event where the Old Dominion Bar Association, the Prince William County Bar Association, and the Prince William Chapter of the Virginia Women Attorneys Association came together to present a screening of the documentary “The Loving Story”. The film chronicles the lives and legal battle of Mildred and Richard Loving, a mixed race couple who were exiled from their home state of Virginia due to its law against interracial marriage. Due to the efforts of Kristina Keech Spitler, a shareholder at VF&N, this event combined members of all of the bar associations for a historic evening that brought the community together. 

We were especially honored by the presence of Bernard S. Cohen, legal counsel to the Lovings, who fought and won their case in the Supreme Court of Virginia, eliminating the ban against the interracial marriage law. Bernard Cohen also has a special connection to our firm, as he is the father of Karen Cohen, one of our esteemed attorneys.

The Center for the Arts of Greater Manassas/Prince William County generously hosted the event, and it was packed with over 100 attendees, including Honorable Judge Gerald Bruce Lee, Mayor Hal Parrish, Senator Scott Surovell and many other esteemed members of the three associations.

Special thanks to Jirani Coffee House for providing food and beverages for purchase. This was certainly an evening to remember! Stay on the lookout for the Loving’s story coming to the big screen November 4, 2016 in the new movie “Loving”.

The screening was held in the Arthur Kellar Theater at the Center for the Arts

The screening was held in the Arthur Kellar Theater at the Center for the Arts
The screening was held in the Arthur Kellar Theater at the Center for the Arts


Brett Callahan of VF&N

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The Jirani Coffee House team

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Michael Vanderpool and Robert Beard of VF&N peruse the program for the event

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Rick Nishanian of VF&N

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Michael Vanderpool of VF&N and the Mayor of Manassas, Hal Parrish

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Martin Crim of VF&N, reading through the Loving case chronology

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Kristina Spitler of VF&N, making announcements prior to the showing

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President Alexandra Ribe of the VWAA

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Jeanie Wiethop of the Prince William County Bar Association

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Speaker on behalf of President Jane Reynolds of the Old Dominion Bar Association

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Bernie Cohen and his wife Rae

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Randy Frostick of VF&N shakes the hand of Bernard Cohen after viewing the film

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There was a line to meet Mr. Cohen and shake his hand. It was an emotional and memorable evening

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Cohen joked and laughed with attendees

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Martin Crim meets Bernard Cohen

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Neal Knudsen of VF&N and his wife, meet Bernard Cohen

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Bernard Cohen surrounded by his family

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Bernie and Rae

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Kristina Spitler, Bernard Cohen and Karen Cohen

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Mary Grace O’Malley, Bernard Cohen and Karen Cohen

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