Councilmembers Juanita Woods (District 3), Verbon Muhammad (District 5), and Rodney McFarland (District 4) have completed their first year together on the Monroe City Council—and what a year it has been.
These three leaders have accomplished something no team of Black elected officials in Monroe’s history has done before: they have stood together, voted together, and led together on every single issue for an entire year.
Let’s be clear—there have been moments when we disagreed with some of the positions they took. But even then, we were quietly proud. Proud that even when we felt they were wrong, they were wrong together.
That kind of solidarity in public office is rare.
Many have tried—some boldly, others subtly—to drive a wedge between them. Many have attempted to exploit differences, to tempt one or two to break ranks. Yet, every effort failed. This coalition has proven to be as strong as steel.
Over the past year, we all noticed the rhythm of their unity. When Rev. McFarland would say, “I have a problem with that,” you could be sure the measure wouldn’t pass. When Minister Muhammad voiced, “I’m uncomfortable with that,” his colleagues would fall in step. When Woods declared, “I’m going to support this, this time,” it was a clear signal that the proposal was on its way to approval.
Whether the issue was fighting for higher city DBE goals, funneling resources into SEDD, or halting automatic water bill hikes, their united front was unstoppable.
Their teamwork wasn’t accidental. They planned their leadership roles in advance—Woods led as chairperson this first year, McFarland will take the gavel in July, and Muhammad is set to follow next year. Many have tried to sow seeds of discord, especially now as McFarland, known for his bold and uncompromising style, prepares to lead. But those attempts are meeting a brick wall. This coalition is stronger than ever.
The Brown Bombers, as they’re affectionately known, have held regular community meetings, not just in South Monroe but in areas their districts touch in the North as well. They’ve listened to citizens about everything from garbage collection to crime. And when they changed positions, they did so together, reflecting the voice of the people they serve.
Indeed, Woods, Muhammad, and McFarland have shown that while they may have different ideas privately, they emerge from their discussions as a single voice, focused on progress for the Southside and beyond.
Rev. McFarland promised last July that this would be “a new day and a new way.”
One year later, they have delivered on that promise—together.
We salute them for showing us what leadership, loyalty, and love for community truly look like.
