As I drove into Dearfield Friday morning, I couldn’t help but imagine just how different it might look had America held true to the promises of life, liberty and freedom – for all its citizens. Dearfield should not be viewed as a failed township, but rather a monument of love, innovation and triumph. Though currently a ghost town, the significance and contributions made by Dearfield’s residents cannot be overlooked. The legacy of Dearfield shines brighter than the remnants of its remaining standing structures. Dearfield serves as a metaphor in the struggle for racial equality on a local, national and global scale. Despite countless setbacks, overwhelming and insurmountable odds, the community of Dearfield’s determination proved immeasurable. Their innovation, success, strength and unity as an independent township resonated in the hearts of all its residents. And their collective message of love and perseverance continues to transcend across generations. Dearfield is a testament to the power, beauty and cultural heritage of the Black community.
Dearfield reminds us of the importance of understanding how the past informs our present, in order to see that where we are now is a direct relation to where we have been. The aim of H.R. 40 begins by holding America accountable, and not solely for enslavement and our crimes against humanity, it is much deeper than that, but for centuries of customs and policies that continue to perpetuate racial inequality, which serve to maintain conditions tantamount to slavery. That is where we must begin.
Challenge The Narrative 