Battleboro, North Carolina

In the mid-1990's, a traditionally African-American community in North Carolina called "Battleboro" was eager to be a part of the economic growth occurring around the city of Rocky Mount. Predominantly White neighborhoods to the west of Battleboro were being annexed by the city, but the city's leaders refused to annex Battleboro. Annexation would bring municipal services to the residents of Battleboro as well as give them a vote in local elections. Knowing that their taxes would also increase, the residents were still convinced that their future as a community depended on being a part of the city. They did not want to be left behind while areas around them experienced economic growth and the benefits of being part of the municipality. At the time, Rocky Mount was a majority-white city, although the differential rates of population growth were apparent. City planners projected that by the 2000 Census, Rocky Mount would be a majority-black city. Annexing Battleboro would only increase this trend. Rocky Mount straddles Edgecombe and Nash Counties, both of which are covered jurisdictions under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, hence, any changes affecting voting in the City of Rocky Mount needed to be must be submitted to the Department of Justice for approval before they could be put into effect. Residents of Battleboro organized and lobbied the Mayor and City Council members to annex them. One of the key factors that led the city to finally agree to annex this community was the fact that community members were prepared to vigorously oppose any future annexations of white neighborhoods in the Section 5 preclearance process. Thus, the city knew it would face fierce opposition to other development plans if they refused to incorporate the black community. This pressure ultimately led the city to back down and agree to annex Battleboro. Today the residents enjoy municipal services, the right to vote in city elections, rising property values and a higher standard of living because of their incorporation into the City of Rocky Mount. As of the 2000 Census, Rocky Mount's population was 56% African-American.