First Black Mayor in Alabama Town Wins Election Following Office Lockout

NEWBERN, Alabama — In a landmark election this week, Newbern's first Black mayor, Patrick Braxton, secured a commanding victory, winning 66 votes to 26, just four years after facing exclusion from town hall by white residents. His triumph marks a significant resolution in the long-standing conflict over local governance that has captured national attention. “The people came out and spoke and voted. Now, there ain’t no doubt what they want for this town,” Braxton stated in a telephone conversation on Wednesday night.The election, the first in over sixty years, arose from a federal settlement after Black residents sued, contesting the town’s so-called “hand-me-down governance.” Previously, mayors appointed successors, resulting in a predominantly white administration despite a Black majority population of 2-1. Following his unopposed candidacy in 2020, Braxton was initially denied the office due to locked town hall doors and covert council meetings. His recent victory solidifies his authority, reflecting a pivotal change in Newbern’s political landscape. (Photo: Historica Wiki)