This op-ed from the ACLU of Alabama's Voting Rights Coordinator, Kenya Shavers, was originally published in the Union Springs Herald.
As a young woman, born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama (also coined as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement), I was raised to believe that voting and the right to vote was akin to that of a vital lifeline. My late grandfather, William Scott, Jr., would often say, “if folks want a better life…they have to go out and vote for it.” It was through the many long discussions with my grandfather regarding life, politics, and religion that I would develop a profound enthusiasm for fairness, equity, and the importance of voting before reaching the legal voting age,. I remember as a small child, my mom would wake me and my younger brother at 5:00 AM, before the opening of the polls, to accompany her in casting her vote before the long lines began to form. Who could have anticipated that those lengthy, often frigid election day mornings spent standing in line to vote alongside my mother and younger brother would be so impactful and influential in both my personal and professional life.
On August 3, 2024, I had the honor of attending the mayoral inauguration of Patrick Braxton, Newbern, Alabama's (Hale County) first Black Mayor, which was incredibly inspiring. Being able to experience a new and exciting era in Newbern’s history, live and in living color, enhanced my appreciation of the tireless work from organizers across this state. In recent years, the constituents of Newbern, Alabama, were embroiled in a battle concerning their fundamental right to vote. For many years, there was a lack of challenge to the established norms set by the previous regime. This led the community to assume that the prevailing conditions represented the only way of conducting affairs. Fortunately, this is no longer true for the City of Newbern, as the entire community was living witnesses to the effects of what happens when obsolete norms are put to the test.
Mayor Braxton, when articulating his sentiments regarding his victory in the race, expressed that it’s been “a long road.” From his account of being locked out of City Hall, despite being the only candidate who qualified to run for Mayor, it was evident that he had indeed experienced a prolonged and arduous journey. During his address, he said he had to draw on his expertise as the architect of City Hall to gain access to his office as the newly elected Mayor of Newbern, Alabama. I was perplexed that the very individual who had built the City Hall of Newbern, Alabama, with his own hands was being denied entry on account of the previous administration's belief that he was unfit to hold office.
Despite the deep-rooted challenges he faced, Mayor Braxton demonstrated considerable strength and courage in confronting a system that required a considerable and comprehensive reformation. Following years of neglect regarding the electoral process under the previous administration, Mayor Braxton candidly described his experiences during his inauguration as “stressful and hard.” One could discern in his demeanor a profound sense of relief, after having endured the unwarranted challenges and intimidation imposed by the previous Mayor and Council. However, I could also see that he was optimistic about the future and very much hopeful as the new Mayor of the City of Newbern.
The citizens of Hale County, as well as citizens who reside in communities across the United States, continue to advocate for voting rights. The State of Alabama has historically implemented measures that have hindered the voting process, whereas free and fair elections should be the standard and expected. Nonetheless, organizers, progressive elected officials, and lobbyists are continually confronted with the reality that access to voting rights has been a longstanding struggle for the citizens of Alabama. This struggle persists until those in power engage in self-reflection and acknowledge that change has occurred, not only in Newbern but throughout Alabama and America. The formerly oppressed individuals in this country are no longer willing to acquiesce to the status quo. Therefore, it is imperative that this state continues to advance swiftly and consistently.
I express my gratitude for the progress achieved in Newbern, Alabama and for the communities of individuals throughout the nation who are committed to promoting and actively pursuing this change's advancement.
