A Groundbreaking Achievement Marred by Controversy
In a small town of Newbern, Alabama, with a population of just 133 people, Patrick Braxton made history by becoming the first Black mayor.
However, his path to this milestone was marred by fierce opposition from the town’s white leaders, who allegedly engaged in discriminatory practices to prevent him from taking office.
A Contested Victory and Denial of Access
Braxton was the sole candidate to qualify for the mayor’s office in 2020, following the long-standing tradition of the incumbent mayor appointing their successor. Despite this, the outgoing white mayor, Haywood Stokes III, refused to concede defeat and held an unannounced special election, resulting in an all-white council declaring themselves the winners.
“Defendants, in contravention of the Alabama Code, failed to provide notice to voters in Newbern of this special election, thereby preventing them from participating in the election,” Braxton’s amended lawsuit stated.
Braxton and his elected all-Black council members were denied access to town hall, with the locks changed, and documents and bank accounts rendered inaccessible, effectively preventing them from discharging their duties.
A Legal Battle for Voting Rights and Democracy
Undeterred, Braxton filed a lawsuit in federal court, alleging violations of the Constitution, including the Voting Rights Act, and accusing the defendants of intentional racial discrimination. His legal team, including the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, argued that the defendants’ actions eroded the democratic process and disenfranchised Black voters.
“The repeated failure of Newbern officials to hold or give notice for a municipal election — for decades — is unfortunately emblematic of ongoing attacks against Black voters,” said Morenike Fajana, special counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
A Setback but a Glimmer of Hope
In a recent ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Kristi K. DuBose denied Braxton’s motion for a preliminary injunction to hold a special election in November, citing a lack of urgency and irreparable harm.
However, she acknowledged that Braxton’s constitutional claims are likely to succeed on their merits, providing a glimmer of hope for his eventual victory.
Despite this setback, Braxton’s case is set for a bench trial in September, where he will continue his fight for justice and the rightful recognition of his historic achievement as Newbern’s first Black mayor.
