March 31st 2024.
The town of Newbern, Alabama is currently facing a lawsuit from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The reason? Their refusal to allow Patrick Braxton, a Black man who rightfully won the mayorship in 2020, to take on his elected role. This comes after no one else in the town, including the former mayor, filed to run for the position.
According to The Guardian, the Legal Defense Fund, along with the Alabama law firm Quinn, Connor, Weaver, Davis & Rouco, have taken legal action against former Mayor Haywood "Woody" Stokes and the all-white council board of Newbern. The defendants are being accused of manipulating the political process in order to maintain their power, which includes denying Braxton the opportunity to take office. This manipulation has been ongoing since the 1960s, as the town has continuously failed to hold or publicize their municipal elections, as required by state law.
In a brief summary of events, the injunction states, "For nearly sixty years, the defendants and their predecessors have operated a 'hand-me-down governance' system in the town of Newbern. Under this system, they have either refused to hold elections or failed to properly inform residents about upcoming elections." It goes on to explain that due to this system, the majority of elected officials in Newbern have been white, despite the fact that about 80% of the town's population is Black. This denial of fair elections is a violation of both the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The lawsuit also reveals that Newbern has been operating with two mayors, a fact that many residents were not even aware of. Braxton, in an interview with The Guardian, expressed his hope that the town will do the right thing, but if not, he is prepared to take legal action. "They're so stuck in their ways and don't want any change for the town. They just want things to stay the same," he said. "I hope they come to their senses and allow me to take office. But if not, we will take this to court."
The LDF released a statement from Braxton, who emphasized the importance of voting and the impact it has on the democratic process. "For decades, officials in my town have excluded me and other voters from participating in elections and having a say in what happens here," Braxton stated. "Voting is not a privilege, it is a responsibility in shaping the direction and priorities of our community. We want our voices to be heard and our votes to be counted. We are asking the courts to ensure that elections take place in Newbern this November so that we can actively participate in the democratic process."
Richard Rouco, a partner at the Alabama law firm involved in the lawsuit, also spoke out about the situation, stating in a press release that the town has been depriving its citizens of their constitutional rights. "By failing to hold or properly inform residents about municipal elections, Newbern officials have continuously denied residents the opportunity to elect their representatives and hold office. It is crucial that the courts intervene to ensure that the people of Newbern are able to exercise their fundamental right to vote."
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing issue of voter suppression and the importance of protecting the democratic process. It also brings attention to the Crown Act, as the NAACP referenced it in relation to a separate incident where an employee was allegedly sent home from work for having red braids. This serves as a reminder that discrimination and inequality still exist, and it is crucial that we continue to fight for justice and equality for all.
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