A three-day event commemorating the centennial of the racial violence faced by Dr. Ossian H. Sweet and his family will take place starting on September 7. The Dr. Ossian H. Sweet Foundation, founded by Daniel Baxter, aims to honor the memory of Sweet, who endured a mob attack after purchasing a home in a predominantly white neighborhood in Detroit in 1925.
The home located at Charlevoix and Garland, where Sweet and his family sought refuge, is steeped in history. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by African Americans in their quest for equality. Baxter, who has a personal connection to the home, reflected on the significance of this moment, stating, “Plenty of times, I’d sit and try to visualize an ocean of hate.”
On the night of September 9, 1925, Sweet, then 31 years old, was met with hostility after moving into the brick house with his wife and young child. As stones and slurs rained down from the mob outside, Sweet and his family defended themselves from the second floor, armed with firearms. Tragically, a passerby named Leon Breiner was shot and killed during the chaos.
The aftermath of this confrontation led to a high-profile trial that captured national attention. Every adult present in the Sweet home was charged with murder, leading to a defense team headed by renowned attorney Clarence Darrow. The first trial ended in a hung jury, while the second trial concluded with a not guilty verdict for Henry Sweet, Ossian’s brother. This verdict marked a pivotal moment in U.S. legal history, affirming the notion that a home should be a sanctuary, regardless of the occupant’s race.
Herbert Baxter, who purchased the home for $10,000 in 1958, has a deep appreciation for its legacy. As a child, he contributed to the legal defense fund for the Sweets. Baxter recalls, “He was my doctor, and I was his dry cleaner.” The home has been a cornerstone of his family’s identity, and he has worked diligently to maintain it as a testament to Sweet’s struggle.
The legacy of Ossian Sweet continues to resonate in the community. The Baxters have welcomed students and visitors eager to learn about the house’s history. “When history is your landlord, attention is part of the lease,” Baxter noted. His son, Daniel, carries forward the stories of their heritage, expressing a desire to continue living in the house after his parents are gone. “This is a precious commodity,” he stated.
As the centennial approaches, the community reflects on the significance of Sweet’s fight for justice. This commemoration not only honors the past but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. The Baxters recognize their role in preserving this history, with Herbert Baxter emphasizing the responsibility that comes with living in such a significant place. “It’s history’s house, too,” he remarked, as he shared this legacy with his young grandson.
The events planned by the Dr. Ossian H. Sweet Foundation aim to educate the public about the profound impact of this historical episode, ensuring that the lessons learned from the past are not forgotten.
