Patrick Braxton is finally poised to take office as the mayor of Newbern, Alabama, after nearly four years of intense legal battles. Braxton, who became mayor-elect in 2020, faced significant resistance from his white predecessors, preventing him from assuming office. However, a recent settlement has paved the way for Braxton to serve his first term, marking a historic milestone as he becomes the first Black mayor in Newbern’s 166-year history, pending court approval.
Braxton’s journey to office has been fraught with obstacles. Despite qualifying to run for the non-partisan position of mayor in 2020 and becoming the town’s mayor-elect as the sole candidate, he was repeatedly blocked from taking office. He encountered numerous hurdles, from being denied access to the town’s finances to being locked out of the town hall twice. His determination never wavered, and he continued to fight for his right to serve his community.
The legal battle culminated in a settlement agreement filed with Judge Kristi K. DuBose of the Southern District of Alabama. This agreement requires the former mayor and town council members to grant Braxton access to all necessary official documents, accounts, and town property. Additionally, all current town council members will resign, making way for an interim town council composed of new appointees and members originally chosen by Braxton. The town has also committed to holding regular and transparent municipal elections starting in 2025 and will submit any changes related to voting and eligibility to the federal district court or the U.S. Attorney General for approval until January 1, 2030.
Newbern, a town of about 130 residents, has not held a mayoral election since 1965, opting instead to allow mayors to appoint their successors. This decades-long practice came to an end when Braxton filed paperwork to run for mayor in 2020. Despite becoming the town’s first Black mayor by default, he faced a concerted effort from the incumbent leaders to prevent him from taking office, leading to allegations of racial discrimination and violations of the Fifteenth Amendment and the Voting Rights Act.
Braxton, a Black volunteer firefighter and handyman, exemplifies resilience and commitment to his community. His persistence has not only secured his rightful place as mayor but also ensured that Newbern will uphold democratic principles by conducting regular elections. As he prepares to officially begin his term, Braxton’s victory serves as a powerful testament to the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
