“Patrick Braxton is the first Black person to become mayor in the small town of Newbern, Alabama, in the town’s 166-year history.” – ABC News
In the small town of Newbern, Alabama, a significant milestone has been achieved after a protracted legal battle. rooted in blatant racism and undemocratic practices reminiscent of the Jim Crow era. Patrick Braxton, the first Black person to be elected mayor in the town’s 166-year history, has finally been recognized as the rightful leader of the town government after a 4-year legal battle.
Braxton’s journey to mayoral recognition was fraught with obstacles. After qualifying to run for the non-partisan position in 2020, Braxton became mayor-elect by default as the sole candidate. However, he was allegedly locked out of town hall and prevented from fulfilling his mayoral duties by some town officials.
This led to a protracted legal dispute that has now been resolved through a lawsuit settlement. The settlement not only acknowledges Braxton as the mayor of Newbern but also mandates the town to hold municipal elections, a practice that has been dormant for decades.
This historic victory for Braxton marks a turning point for Newbern, symbolizing a shift towards a more inclusive and democratic local government. The story of Patrick Braxton serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Legal Defense Fund, which represented Braxton and other residents, released this statement on behalf of the plaintiffs, “This victory marks a new chapter for Newbern,” said Mayor Patrick Braxton. “I am so grateful to finally get to serve the people of Newbern. This is a win for not only me, but for all of the residents of Newbern. After decades, we will finally be able to act as citizens to cast our ballots and actively participate in the democratic process. I look forward to working together with the city council and town residents to move forward and shape our collective future.”
The full press release can be found HERE.
According to official records, “Newbern, a tiny town of 133 people about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Selma, has a mayor-council government but did not hold elections for six decades. Instead, town officials governed through “hand-me-down” positions with the mayor appointing a successor and the successor appointing council members, according to the lawsuit filed by Braxton and others. That practice resulted in an overwhelmingly white government in a town where Black residents outnumber white residents by a 2-1 margin.
