A small Alabama town just elected the first Black mayor in its history. But he’s finally assuming office four years after some old-fashioned Dirty South racial politics prevented him from doing so the first time.
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Mayor Patrick Braxton was first elected mayor of Newbern, Ala. — a tiny rural town about 40 miles from Selma — in 2020. As the only person to file the appropriate paperwork for the position, Braxton, a volunteer firefighter, won the election by default.
However, Newbern traditionally handed down government positions, keeping white residents in leadership positions, even though Newburn is 85 percent Black, according to Census data. So when Braxton won in 2020, he was blocked from serving his term — physically. White town leaders conspired to reappoint themselves.
“When I first became mayor, [a white woman told me] the town was not ready for a Black mayor,” Braxton told Capital B in 2023.
Braxton was harassed and bombarded with intimidation tactics that lasted for years. In 2022, he filed a federal lawsuit, pointing to “intentional discrimination” and voting rights violations, according to the Legal Defense Fund. The lawsuit was settled in 2024, and Braxton was finally granted the opportunity to serve.
On Aug. 26, more than a year after taking office, Braxton’s perseverance and continuous community presence paid off when Newbern residents gave a symbolic middle finger to those who continually tried to stop Braxton: In Newbern’s first democratic election in 60 years, he defeated his opponent, 66 to 26 votes.
“I know the people put me there this time, not the court,” Braxton told Capital B.
Since taking office, Braxton has worked to bring stability and a better quality of life to Newbern. While some white residents have left the town since he was sworn in, Braxton remains committed to addressing issues that matter to everyone, like ensuring residents have a reliable sewer system and access to affordable, fresh fruits and vegetables.
“The people came out and spoke and voted. Now, there ain’t no doubt what they want for this town,” Braxton told NBC News earlier this week.
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