rant/love story/help

Okay so I am white and 20 years old. I have been seeing a black man quite a bit older than me and while I realize the age difference was a little much, I don't understand why my parents won't let me take a chance on him. They don't know anything about him other than the things other people say about him. I was only with him a little over a week and even in that short time we became very close. He is a really down to earth guy and has a good heart. He hasn't made the best choices but he's still a good guy. Well my parents found out about him and I'm an only child so I get that they care but they took over and told him to leave me alone and have basically followed me everywhere I go. I really care about this guy and he has been so sweet and respectful when we go out. I just don't know what to do. My parents control everything I do and I'm an adult. I work full time and go to school full time. Pay for a brand new car and school by myself. When I'm not at school I'm at work. I work 40-50 hours a week plus work my butt off for school. I want to continue to see him but they have made it clear that they will "take care of him" if we do still hang out. My mother also begged me to not date a black man. I've told them how I felt but they don't care it seems. Can someone help me out?