By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In Newbern, Alabama, Patrick Braxton, the first Black mayor, secured a decisive victory in the recent election, garnering 66 votes compared to his opponent’s 26. This marks a significant turning point after a dispute where White residents initially blocked Braxton from assuming office. This election, the town’s first in decades, was a result of a federal settlement following a lawsuit challenging the town’s historical governance practices, which previously relied on appointed officials. Braxton, who had previously been locked out of the town hall after running unopposed in 2020, was finally able to serve last year after a three-year legal battle.
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The first Black mayor of a tiny Alabama town has overwhelmingly won an election, four years after white residents locked him out of the town hall and refused to let him serve, and it’s a story that really makes you sit back and think. It’s a stark reminder that even today, in the 21st century, the echoes of the past can be deafening. How does someone get elected, and then simply *not* allowed to do their job? The initial reaction is, frankly, “WTF?” It’s almost unbelievable, yet here we are.
The passive voice used in reporting about this is frustrating. “The locks were changed.” Okay, but *who* changed the locks? It’s crucial to name the individuals responsible. This wasn’t some spontaneous event; it was a deliberate act, a deliberate attempt to subvert the will of the voters. Considering the demographics of the town, with a clear majority of Black residents, it paints a very clear picture of the situation and the power dynamic at play.
The overwhelming victory this time around offers a glimmer of hope. That hope comes from the voters who, despite previous attempts to silence their voice, have spoken and made it clear that the will of the people, specifically the majority, must be respected. It’s good to see this resolve and the determination to make sure these “hand-me-down” governments don’t continue. It is crucial that Mayor Braxton now has unrestricted access to all resources and the ability to function within the scope of the law.
One can only hope that Trump doesn’t get involved because Alabama seems to be playing catch-up. It’s a shame this kind of bigotry still exists. The good news is that the tide is turning. But still, it is troubling to think about the blatant racism on display and the way this tiny town functions. It is also important to keep an eye on the potential misuse of municipal funds.
Of course, some might ask if this situation is just representative of a broader issue. The playbook is decades old, dating back to Reconstruction. Black officials were elected and then systematically blocked from their positions. It’s a sad but familiar tale of attempts to undermine democratic processes. If the DOJ doesn’t take this seriously, then it is a very scary reality.
And yet, the fight continues. The mayor is no longer locked out. The voters have spoken, and now there is a chance to move forward. There is a need for justice. It can be a turning point. It is important to remember that despite all the obstacles, the fight for equality and justice goes on.