Is there a way to make his parent's see how much we truly love each other?

My white boyfriend and I (African-American) have been dating for 4 years. While I have met his mom, his dad refuses to accept the relationship or even met me. This is a crazy situation because I am older, divorced, and have children. My boyfriend has even helped me raise my youngest child who I was pregnant with at the beginning of the relationship although it is not his biological child. I am a strong woman who is highly educated and who loves this man with all my heart. We are planning on buying a home and getting married, but friends are warning me that we should address the family issues first. Is there a way to at least get his family to meet me and give me a chance? I would like to have a better start at our life together. I really do want extended family in my life. I am willing to accept him without them. I just want to be given a chance for them to see who I really am. I don't believe a person's past should dictate how happy they are allowed to be.