Racist History of Piedmont to Be Commemorated With Memorial For First Black Family Driven Out

Piedmont, California, plans to honor the Dearing family with a memorial sculpture park, reflecting on the town's racist past. The Dearings were the first Black family to live in Piedmont, facing significant hostility after moving there in 1924. The city announced the project on Juneteenth, marking a commitment to acknowledge difficult historical truths. Currently at the "50-percent concept stage," the memorial is expected to be completed within a year. The site will feature a flagpole with a mailbox inscribed with the Dearing name, commemorating their experience.

City Administrator Rosanna Bayon-Moore stated that confronting such topics is essential for community growth. Walter Hood, the landscape architect, highlighted the personal significance of the project, asserting the importance of sharing these stories. The memorial serves as a reminder of the need for awareness and dialogue about the past.