Thoughts About Sidney and Irene Dearing
I would like to make a clear statement: “Sidney and Irene Dearing knowingly violated the law.”
As a person of color residing in Piedmont, who face instances of racism today, I cannot support a commemorative statue for the Dearing family, who, it is important to reiterate, BROKE THE LAW that was in effect in Piedmont during that time period.
Yes, it is true that the actions taken by Piedmont’s police chief and the City to try to force Mr. Dearing from his new home were wrong.
Yes, it is also a tragic fact that bombs were placed at Mr. Dearing’s residence.
Yes, it is personally deeply upsetting to acknowledge that racial restrictions at that time barred non-White individuals from purchasing properties in Piedmont.
However, it is essential to recognize that Sidney Dearing’s mother-in-law INTENTIONALLY misrepresented her identity as French Canadian to the seller of 67 Wildwood Avenue in order to bypass the racial restrictions that were in place. This action led to an ILLEGAL PURCHASE of the property, which was then swiftly transferred to Sidney and Irene Dearing.
Given these circumstances, it raises the questions of:
- Why would Piedmont choose to commemorate a family who deliberately disregarded the existing law of that period?
- Is this commemorative act an expression of WHITE GUILT?
