Racial power shift in Alabama town: Black mayor ousted by White predecessor

Patrick Braxton, the first Black mayor of Newbern, Alabama, claims he was ousted by his White predecessor and former leadership in a secret scheme to prevent a majority Black City Council from taking office. Braxton alleges that locks were changed, denying him access to the town hall, post office box, and town accounts. The defendants dispute the allegations, stating there was no conspiracy or racial discrimination. The lawsuit highlights the historical lack of contested mayoral elections in Newbern, where public officials tend to serve for decades. Braxton plans to run for mayor again in 2025 and is determined to fight for the rightful exercise of his mayoral duties.