Newbern, Alabama
Newbern is a town in Hale County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the town was 133. History The community was named for New Bern, North Carolina. It incorporated in 1854. The Rural Studio of Auburn University is based in Newbern; its architecture student practitioners work under the supervision of faculty on designing and building affordable housing and similar projects to support the population of rural areas in Alabama. Mayoral dispute In November 2020, a controversy arose as the only candidate to file for the mayoral election, Patrick Braxton, was obstructed from assuming office by the previous officeholder (Woody Stokes III) and the town council. It is alleged that a proper election has not been held in Newbern in decades, with the mayorship being passed from "one friend to another". As of June 2023, Stokes remains the acting mayor, with Braxton unable to carry out any duties. In response, Braxton filed a federal civil rights suit, arguing that the actions of the town council constitute racial disenfranchisement. This is further compounded by the fact that despite being a majority black town, executive offices in Newbern have historically been exclusively held by white people. Geography Newbern