The political alliance known as the “Brown Bombers” — Monroe City Council members Juanita Woods, Verbon Muhammad, and Rev. Rodney McFarland — may face its first serious test of unity at the October 28 council meeting. The issue: whether to replace Tony Little on the Southside Economic Development District (SEDD) board.
The “Brown Bombers” Southside coalition has made history by holding firm for over a year without a public breach on any issue before the Monroe City Council since 2024. Their first sign of a breach happened Tuesday night when McFarland complained of being “blindsided” over the Tony Little issue.
Woods appointed Little to the board in 2021, but his term expired in August 2024. Since then, Little has become one of the most controversial figures in South Monroe’s development efforts. He declared that SEDD’s 25-year revitalization plan should be destroyed and has worked to align the agency more closely with City Hall — a move that divided the board between native Southside residents and business owners and non-Southside residents.
The controversy deepened this summer when Little became the subject of multiple investigations — including alleged kickbacks, sexual harassment, and ethics violations. Despite these ongoing probes, Woods has hesitated to remove him, citing a desire to wait for the investigations to conclude.
Tuesday night, her wavering led to a rare public disagreement with McFarland, who placed a motion to replace Little on the agenda at her request, only to learn she had withdrawn it at the last minute.
McFarland, visibly frustrated, said he does not like being “blindsided” and indicated he may introduce his own nominee if Woods fails to act. Muhammad is expected to side with McFarland, potentially fracturing the “Brown Bombers”’ once-solid voting bloc.
Meanwhile, SEDD is at a standstill. Five of its ten members refuse to meet as long as Little remains president, depriving the SEDD of a legal quorum. The five have called for Little to step down as president pending investigation results and want the city council to replace him, citing both ethical concerns and public trust.
The “Brown Bombers” built their reputation on unity and community-first leadership. But their first real test will show whether that unity is rooted in loyalty or in principle.
If they divide over Tony Little, the fallout could weaken not just the trio’s influence — but the future of South Monroe’s long-promised “Southside Dream.”
