SHERIDAN, Ind. -- A black Sheridan resident and his girlfriend say they are moving out of town because of a controversial float in the annual 4th of July parade.
Bobby Taylor has lived peacefully and uneventfully in Sheridan for the past three years. Now he's putting his house up for sale, and he says it's because he no longer feels safe after a float depicting President Barack Obama, with the words "Lying-African" underneath, took part in the town's Independence Day parade.
MORE | Man who made Sheridan Obama float apologizes to those offended
"I talked to the Realtor," Taylor said. "I don't feel safe here."
The 43-year-old says he didn't attend the parade, but that he was hurt to his core by the words on the float.
The float's creator, 73-year-old Donald Christy, says he was just expressing himself.
"What is the 4th of July about?" Christy said. "Independence. Freedom. I'm free to do what I want, right?"
Taylor says he wants to have the property listed by next week.
Sheridan Town Council President David Kinkead released a statement saying he was "deeply appalled" by the float.