After a prolonged legal battle following a contested election, Patrick Braxys is poised to become the first Black mayor of Newbern, Alabama. A federal court settlement has officially recognized Braxton as the rightful mayor, turning a new page in the town's 166-year history.
CNN reported that Patrick Braxton will officially assume the mayoral office in Newbern, Alabama after a federal lawsuit battled discrimination obstructing his post-election success in 2020.
The controversy began when Braxton won the 2020 mayoral race but was obstructed from taking office by the previous administration. The majority-White city council, including former Mayor Haywood Stokes III, effectively denied Braxton access to mayoral resources, prompting a legal confrontation.
Newbern, a small town about an hour from Selma, has not seen a mayoral election since before 1965, which marks the year the Voting Rights Act was passed. The 2020 Census recorded its population at merely 133 residents, highlighting its small community dynamics.
In efforts to rightfully claim his position, Braxton, with the aid of the NAACP's Legal Defense Fund and four town residents, filed an amended lawsuit. This action challenged the previous administration's refusal to acknowledge his electoral victory and endeavored to ensure the integrity of the town's governance.
Under the terms of the proposed settlement, Braxton has been given 14 days from the settlement's effective date to propose candidates for town council to the Alabama governor.
In case of non-action, a special election is set for December 31, 2024. The town is also mandated to compensate for the plaintiffs' legal expenses and to conduct an independent audit of its financial records.
The lawsuit also revealed accusations of a covert meeting aimed at preventing Braxton from appointing a Black-majority town council, a move that included changing locks and blocking access to town financial accounts. This move underscored the racial tensions present in local politics.
Despite these hurdles, a special election held on October 6 saw Stokes and his associated former council members reelected by default, further escalating the controversy over the mayoral position until the recent settlement.
Documents presented during the court proceedings indicated that Newbern's eligible voting population consists of 64.3% Black and 34.8% White residents.
This demographic mix adds layers to the challenges Braxton faced in asserting his electoral victory amidst resistance from predominantly White political figures.
Leah Wong, an attorney from the Legal Defense Fund involved in Braxton's case, remarked on the resolution's significance. She stressed that it allows the town to progress beyond its racially charged stand-off, which had put a hold on Braxton's duties as mayor for four years.
"Most of the Black residents still recognized Braxton as mayor… It is a shame that he had to fight for his right actually to execute his duties for the last four years,” Wong stated. This sentiment reflected the community's ongoing battle for recognition and equality in the small Alabama town.
The resolution of this legal battle marks a significant milestone not only for Braxton but for the entire community of Newbern. The acknowledgment of Braxton as mayor not only rectifies an electoral dispute but also sets a precedent for addressing racial and political barriers in small American towns.
With this settlement, Newbern looks toward a future of improved governance and inclusivity. The upcoming months will be crucial as the town commences its recovery from years of political strife and seeks to rebuild trust among its diverse populace.
This case may serve as a testament to the importance of protecting electoral integrity and will likely resonate well beyond the borders of Newbern, offering insights and precedents for similar governance disputes across the country.
In conclusion, Patrick Braxton's long-awaited recognition as Newbern's mayor under this legal settlement marks a pivotal change in the town's history. This case encapsulates the challenges of achieving racial equality in political representation and underscores the ongoing relevance of the Voting Rights Act in ensuring fair and democratic processes.
