First of all, the concept of boyfriend and girlfriend is alien to Islam. Islam does not allow us to forge such illicit unions.

If you have been involved in such a relationship, it is important for both of you to repent and seek forgiveness of Allah.

Once you have done so, you may think of marriage, if you are compatible in faith and character.

It is important for both of you to get the blessings of your parents.

I don’t know how you can approach his parents. Perhaps you may do well to go through an imam or wise person in the community to facilitate it for you.

He should also have a free and frank discussion with them; if the only reason they are objecting to the marriage is ethnicity, then that is not justified in Islam.