1 year ago
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Willie May Powell enjoys serving as a leader at Newbern's First Baptist Church.That is one reason why the controversy swirling around her hometown's leadership troubles her.“We don't know who our elected official mayor is. We don't know,” Powell said.Welcome to Newbern, Alabama.The home to one caution light, its population of 133 is nearly 70 percent Black.However, until 2020, it had never had a Black mayor.Patrick Braxton said he cannot remember a municipal election ever being held here.The power of the mayor being chosen by default, instead of elected.Then three years ago, he decided to run.“I was tired of seeing one side of town being treated different from the other. That I want everyone to be created equal in this town,” Braxton said.After being the only qualifying candidate in July 2020, he won by default.That made Patrick Braxton Newbern's first Black mayor in its 165-year existence.“I have big plans for Newbern. I have plans for food sharing, food distribution,” Braxton said.Those plans never materialized because he claims the former white mayor and majority white council locked him out of town hall, and he was denied access to Newbern's mailbox and bank account.“That's very frustrating, knowing that the vision and dream that I had for this town hadn't been carried out. You know, it's locking me out and holding me back,” Braxton said.Around the same time, the former council claims it scheduled its own special election.Every member won by default, like Braxton, since there was no opposition.So last fall, he filed a lawsuit against the former mayor and council.His lawyers stated when Braxton won, “The conduct of all the defendants perpetuates the history of race discrimination in the black belt.""I'm not trying to divide this town. I'm trying to bring this town together, for I love to be able to enjoy Newbern," Braxton said.In their response, the former mayor and council deny Braxton's claims in the suit.“There is nothing in the plaintiffs' amended complaint ... that would show that defendants intended to discriminate against plaintiffs because of their race," the defendants argued in a recent filing.The group also cites a March 2023 Attorney General opinion that disqualified Braxton as mayor.It pointed out that he failed to show up for council meetings for three months, which “resulted in his removal from office by operation of law."That leaves the former mayor of the sleepy Hale County town carrying out the duties.So in the eyes of residents like Powell, it's unclear who she should call for help.Confusion she believes a trip to the ballot box could fix.“We should be able to vote. We should be able to vote,” Powell said.Braxton’s lawsuit against the former mayor and town council is still pending.When we contacted their attorneys for additional comments, they asked us to rely on the court filings we referenced.
NEWBERN, Ala. —
Willie May Powell enjoys serving as a leader at Newbern's First Baptist Church.
That is one reason why the controversy swirling around her hometown's leadership troubles her.
“We don't know who our elected official mayor is. We don't know,” Powell said.
Welcome to Newbern, Alabama.
The home to one caution light, its population of 133 is nearly 70 percent Black.
However, until 2020, it had never had a Black mayor.
Patrick Braxton said he cannot remember a municipal election ever being held here.
The power of the mayor being chosen by default, instead of elected.
Then three years ago, he decided to run.
“I was tired of seeing one side of town being treated different from the other. That I want everyone to be created equal in this town,” Braxton said.
After being the only qualifying candidate in July 2020, he won by default.
That made Patrick Braxton Newbern's first Black mayor in its 165-year existence.
“I have big plans for Newbern. I have plans for food sharing, food distribution,” Braxton said.
Those plans never materialized because he claims the former white mayor and majority white council locked him out of town hall, and he was denied access to Newbern's mailbox and bank account.
“That's very frustrating, knowing that the vision and dream that I had for this town hadn't been carried out. You know, it's locking me out and holding me back,” Braxton said.
Around the same time, the former council claims it scheduled its own special election.
Every member won by default, like Braxton, since there was no opposition.
So last fall, he filed a lawsuit against the former mayor and council.
His lawyers stated when Braxton won, “The conduct of all the defendants perpetuates the history of race discrimination in the black belt."
"I'm not trying to divide this town. I'm trying to bring this town together, for I love to be able to enjoy Newbern," Braxton said.
In their response, the former mayor and council deny Braxton's claims in the suit.
“There is nothing in the plaintiffs' amended complaint ... that would show that defendants intended to discriminate against plaintiffs because of their race," the defendants argued in a recent filing.
The group also cites a March 2023 Attorney General opinion that disqualified Braxton as mayor.
It pointed out that he failed to show up for council meetings for three months, which “resulted in his removal from office by operation of law."
That leaves the former mayor of the sleepy Hale County town carrying out the duties.
So in the eyes of residents like Powell, it's unclear who she should call for help.
Confusion she believes a trip to the ballot box could fix.
“We should be able to vote. We should be able to vote,” Powell said.
Braxton’s lawsuit against the former mayor and town council is still pending.
When we contacted their attorneys for additional comments, they asked us to rely on the court filings we referenced.
English (US)