Case: Fitch v. Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners

2:24-cv-00026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina

Filed Date: May 21, 2024

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

In this lawsuit, members of a North Carolina civic organization challenged the presence of a 120-year-old Confederate monument bearing the inscription "In Appreciation Of Our Faithful Slaves" that stands outside a courthouse. In 1902, Tyrrell County, North Carolina, unveiled a statue depicting a Confederate soldier bearing tribute to “The Confederate Cause.” The panel of the monument reads, “In Appreciation Of Our Faithful Slaves.” The monument sits outside the Tyrrell County Courthouse. On May…

In 1902, Tyrrell County, North Carolina, unveiled a statue depicting a Confederate soldier bearing tribute to “The Confederate Cause.” The panel of the monument reads, “In Appreciation Of Our Faithful Slaves.” The monument sits outside the Tyrrell County Courthouse. On May 21, 2024, the Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County (the CCTC) filed this individual lawsuit against members of the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners (the Board) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, challenging the existence of the monument outside of the courthouse. The CCTC is a local civic organization based in Tyrrell County that aims to improve the quality of life of the people in the county, especially Black residents. The case was assigned to District Judge James C. Dever III, and Emancipate North Carolina, a local social justice-oriented legal services organization, represented the CCTC.

The CCTC alleged that the existence of the monument outside of the courthouse constituted racially-discriminatory government speech in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment under 42 U.S.C. §1983. They argued that the monument, especially the “Faithful Slave” rhetoric, was racially hostile and discriminatory, making it seem like enslaved people chose to be enslaved, thus denying the horrors of slavery. They sought declaratory relief to prohibit the Board from expressing racially discriminatory messages on their courthouse grounds, along with injunctive relief through an order directing the Board to remove the monument from the courthouse grounds, attorneys’ fees, pre-judgment/post-judgment interest, and a jury trial.

On September 9, 2024, the Board filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim. They alleged that the CCTC failed to allege the requisite discriminatory intent to support their Equal Protection Clause claim. The Board also made a legislative immunity argument, holding that a North Carolina monument preservation law precluded them from taking the monument down.

On September 25, 2024, the CCTC filed an amended complaint adding a second claim alleging that the Board violated their right to equal use of property under 42 U.S.C. §1982. Section 1982 provides that all citizens have the same right to hold real and personal property, regardless of skin color. They argued that this extended to the use of their property, specifically arguing that the monument interfered with their ability to use the courthouse on equal terms as white residents because the monument promoted a pro-slavery message that was discriminatory, stigmatizing, and demoralizing. The CCTC argued that the monument inhibited their ability to participate in civil life equally at the courthouse, from voting and filing important documents to serving jury duty and meeting with public employees.

On October 9, 2024, the Board filed a renewed motion to dismiss in response to the CCTC’s amended complaint. The Board reiterated that the CCTC failed to allege discriminatory intent as required to support the §1982 claim.

On May 7, 2025, the court denied the Board's motion to dismiss the original complaint as moot. However, the court granted the Board's motion to dismiss the §1982 claim, holding that the CCTC failed to plausibly allege that the Board impaired a personally held property interest. The court reasoned that the CCTC failed to show how the demoralizing elements of the engraving had more than a minimal effect on their hypothetical property interests. However, the court denied the Board’s motion to dismiss as to the §1983 claim, holding that the CCTC plausibly alleged that the “Faithful Slaves” engraving had a racially discriminatory impact on Black residents of Tyrrell County. 786 F.Supp.3d 932.

As of April 1, 2026, discovery continues on the §1983 claim, and the case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Ameya Kamani (4/1/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68550126/parties/fitch-v-tyrrell-county-board-of-commissioners/

Judge(s)

Dever, James C. (North Carolina)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Attorney for Defendant

Jensen, Marissa Kristine (North Carolina)

Mance, Ian A. (North Carolina)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Bader, Steven Andrew (North Carolina)

Flanagan, Patrick H. (North Carolina)

Judge(s)

Dever, James C. (North Carolina)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Simpson, Elizabeth Guild (North Carolina)

Attorney for Defendant

Jensen, Marissa Kristine (North Carolina)

Mance, Ian A. (North Carolina)

Miller, Jaelyn Denise (North Carolina)

Other

Bader, Steven Andrew (North Carolina)

Flanagan, Patrick H. (North Carolina)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 2:24-cv-00026	Complaint Fitch et al. v. Everett et al.	May 21, 2024	May 21, 2024 Complaint
12 2:24-cv-00026	Motion to Dismiss Complaint	Sept. 9, 2024	Sept. 9, 2024 Pleading / Motion / Brief
19 2:24-cv-00026	First Amended Complaint (Jury Trial Demanded)	Sept. 25, 2024	Sept. 25, 2024 Complaint
20 2:24-cv-00026	Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint	Oct. 9, 2024	Oct. 9, 2024 Pleading / Motion / Brief
26 2:24-cv-00026	Order	May 7, 2025	May 7, 2025 Order/Opinion

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68550126/fitch-v-tyrrell-county-board-of-commissioners/

Last updated Oct. 28, 2026, 6:11 a.m.

Docket for: Fitch v. Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	May 21, 2024	COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ANCEDC-7616616.), filed by Sherryreed Robinson, Mark Mixon, Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet) (Mance, Ian) (Entered: 05/21/2024) 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	May 21, 2024	Notice of Appearance filed by Jaelyn Denise Miller on behalf of All Plaintiffs. (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 05/21/2024)	RECAP
3	May 21, 2024	Financial Disclosure Statement by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County (Mance, Ian) (Entered: 05/21/2024)	RECAP
	May 24, 2024	Notice to Counsel - All Counsel should file a Notice of Appearance pursuant to Local Civil Rule 5.2(a). (Rudd, D.)
	May 24, 2024	Notice of Deficiency
	May 24, 2024	NOTICE OF DEFICIENCY regarding 1 Complaint. Counsel, Jaelyn D. Miller failed to sign or electronically sign the signature block pursuant to Section IV.D.1 of the CM/ECF Policies and Procedures Manual. Counsel is directed to refile the complaint using the same receipt number. (Rudd, D.)
	May 24, 2024	Notice to Counsel - No Summons provided for issuance or Waiver of Service filed. (Rudd, D.)
	May 24, 2024	Notice to Counsel
	May 24, 2024	Notice to Counsel regarding: 3 Financial Disclosure Statement. Counsel is reminded that the filing user must lock or flatten the PDF document. Failure to flatten documents may result in the clerks office issuing a notice of deficiency. Counsel should "flatten" (the financial disclosure statement) prior to attaching it in accordance with Section IV.B of the CM/ECF Policies and Procedures Manual. No further action is needed. (Rudd, D.)
	May 24, 2024	Notice of Deficiency Failure to File Financial Disclosure
	May 24, 2024	NOTICE OF DEFICIENCY - Failure to File Financial Disclosure Statement as to Adriana Blakeman, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. Pursuant to 7.1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Local Civil Rule 7.3, all parties shall file a financial disclosure statement. A negative statement is required if a party has no disclosures to make. The disclosure statement must be on a form provided by the clerk. This form is available at the clerk's office and on the court's website. (Rudd, D.)
4	June 6, 2024	COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number 793404.), filed by Sherryreed Robinson, Mark Mixon, Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet) (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 06/06/2024)	RECAP
5	June 6, 2024	Financial Disclosure Statement by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 06/06/2024)	RECAP
6	June 6, 2024	Proposed Summonses by Sherryreed Robinson, Mark Mixon, Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County as to All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Summons, # 2 Proposed Summons, # 3 Proposed Summons, # 4 Proposed Summons, # 5 Proposed Summons) (Miller, Jaelyn) Modified on 6/7/2024 - clarified docket text to correctly reflect document filed. (Sellers, N.) (Entered: 06/06/2024)	RECAP
7	June 7, 2024	Summonses Issued as to Jordan Davis, Nathan Everett, Nina Griswell, Dorothy Spencer, Robert Thompson, Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners. (NOTICE: Counsel shall print the attached summons and serve with other case opening documents in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4.) (Sellers, N.) (Entered: 06/07/2024)	RECAP
	June 7, 2024	Notice of Deficiency
	June 7, 2024	NOTICE OF DEFICIENCY regarding 5 Financial Disclosure Statement. A separate for should be filed on behalf of each plaintiff. Please re-file. (Sellers, N.)
8	June 10, 2024	Financial Disclosure Statement by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County (Attachments: # 1 Financial Disclosure Statement, # 2 Financial Disclosure Statement, # 3 Financial Disclosure Statement, # 4 Financial Disclosure Statement) (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 06/10/2024)	RECAP
	June 10, 2024	Case Selected for Mediation
	June 10, 2024	Case Selected for Mediation - A printable list of certified mediators for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Selection of Mediator form are available on the court's Website, www.nced.uscourts.gov/attorney/mediators.aspx. Please serve this list on all parties. (Mann, Stephanie)
9	July 15, 2024	Waiver of Service Returned Executed filed by Sherryreed Robinson, Mark Mixon, Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Waiver of Service, # 2 Waiver of Service, # 3 Waiver of Service, # 4 Waiver of Service, # 5 Waiver of Service) (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 07/15/2024)	RECAP
10	Sept. 9, 2024	Notice of Appearance filed by Patrick H. Flanagan on behalf of Jordan Davis, Nathan Everett, Nina Griswell, Dorothy Spencer, Robert Thompson, Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners. (Flanagan, Patrick) (Entered: 09/09/2024)	RECAP
11	Sept. 9, 2024	Notice of Appearance filed by Steven Andrew Bader on behalf of All Defendants. (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 09/09/2024)	RECAP
12	Sept. 9, 2024	MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Jordan Davis, Nathan Everett, Nina Griswell, Dorothy Spencer, Robert Thompson, Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners. (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 09/09/2024)	Clearinghouse
13	Sept. 9, 2024	Memorandum in Support regarding 12 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Jordan Davis, Nathan Everett, Nina Griswell, Dorothy Spencer, Robert Thompson, Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners. (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 09/09/2024)	RECAP
14	Sept. 9, 2024	Financial Disclosure Statement by Jordan Davis (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 09/09/2024)	RECAP
15	Sept. 9, 2024	Financial Disclosure Statement by Nathan Everett (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 09/09/2024)	RECAP
16	Sept. 9, 2024	Financial Disclosure Statement by Nina Griswell (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 09/09/2024)	RECAP
17	Sept. 9, 2024	Financial Disclosure Statement by Dorothy Spencer (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 09/09/2024)	RECAP
18	Sept. 9, 2024	Financial Disclosure Statement by Robert Thompson (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 09/09/2024)	RECAP
19	Sept. 25, 2024	AMENDED COMPLAINT against Tyrrell County, filed by Sherryreed Robinson, Mark Mixon, Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Mance, Ian) (Entered: 09/25/2024)	Clearinghouse
20	Oct. 9, 2024	MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM (Amended Complaint DE 19) filed by Tyrrell County. (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 10/09/2024)	Clearinghouse
21	Oct. 9, 2024	Memorandum in Support regarding 20 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM (Amended Complaint DE 19) filed by Tyrrell County. (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 10/09/2024)	RECAP
22	Oct. 9, 2024	Notice of Appearance filed by Steven Andrew Bader on behalf of Tyrrell County. (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 10/09/2024)	RECAP
23	Oct. 9, 2024	Notice of Appearance filed by Patrick H. Flanagan on behalf of Tyrrell County. (Flanagan, Patrick) (Entered: 10/09/2024)	RECAP
24	Oct. 28, 2024	Memorandum in Opposition regarding 20 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM (Amended Complaint DE 19), 21 Memorandum in Support filed by Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, Adriana Blakeman, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Mance, Ian) (Entered: 10/28/2024)	RECAP
25	Nov. 12, 2024	REPLY to Response to Motion regarding 20 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM (Amended Complaint DE 19) filed by Tyrrell County. (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 11/12/2024)	RECAP
	Nov. 12, 2024	Motion Submitted
	Nov. 12, 2024	Motions Submitted to District Judge James C. Dever III regarding 12 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM, 20 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM (Amended Complaint DE 19). (Mann, Stephanie)
26	May 7, 2025	ORDER- The court DENIES AS MOOT defendant's motion to dismiss the complaint 12, GRANTS IN PART defendant's motion to dismiss the amended complaint 20, and DISMISSES WITH PREJUDICE plaintiffs' section 1982 claim. Plaintiffs' equal protection claim survives. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever III on 5/7/2025. (Hockaday, A.) (Entered: 05/07/2025)	Clearinghouse
27	May 21, 2025	ORDER pursuant to text order entered 5/21/2025. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever III on 5/21/2025. (Mann, Stephanie) (Entered: 05/21/2025)	RECAP
	May 21, 2025	Text Order
28	May 28, 2025	ANSWER to 19 Amended Complaint, COUNTERCLAIM against Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County by Tyrrell County. (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 05/28/2025)	RECAP
29	June 24, 2025	ORDER FOR DISCOVERY PLAN sent to all parties. Signed by Peter A. Moore, Jr., Clerk of Court on 6/24/2025. (Mann, Stephanie) (Entered: 06/24/2025)	RECAP
30	June 30, 2025	MOTION for Entry of Default filed by Tyrrell County. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order entering default) (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 06/30/2025)	RECAP
31	June 30, 2025	MOTION for Leave to File Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 06/30/2025)	RECAP
32	June 30, 2025	MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer regarding 31 MOTION for Leave to File Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 06/30/2025)	RECAP
33	June 30, 2025	ANSWER to 28 Answer to Amended Complaint, Counterclaim by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 06/30/2025)	RECAP
34	July 3, 2025	RESPONSE in Opposition regarding 30 MOTION for Entry of Default filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 07/03/2025)	RECAP
35	July 25, 2025	Rule 26(f) Report (joint) filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 07/25/2025)	RECAP
36	July 30, 2025	SCHEDULING ORDER: Discovery due by 3/16/2026. Motions due by 4/30/2026. The matter will be set for trial by separate order. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever III on 6/5/2025. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever, III on 7/30/2025. (Harrison, A) (Entered: 07/30/2025)	RECAP
	July 31, 2025	Motion Submitted
	July 31, 2025	Notice to Counsel - Selection of Mediator
	July 31, 2025	Motion Submitted to District Judge James C. Dever III regarding 31 MOTION for Leave to File Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer, 30 MOTION for Entry of Default, 32 MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer. (Mann, Stephanie)
	July 31, 2025	NOTICE TO COUNSEL - Pursuant to Local ADR Rule 101.1c(a), counsel is reminded that the parties must file a written statement identifying an agreed upon mediator within twenty one (21) days of the entry of the Scheduling Order. A printable list of certified mediators for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Selection of Mediator form are available on the court's Website, http://www.nced.uscourts.gov/attorney/mediators.aspx. If a statement is not timely filed, the Clerk of Court will appoint a mediator from the list of court certified mediators. The Selection of Mediator form must be electronically filed on or before 8/20/2025. (Harrison, A)
37	Aug. 1, 2025	ORDER denying 30 Motion for Entry of Default, granting 31 Motion for Leave to File, and granting 32 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer. Plaintiffs have filed their answer. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever III on 8/1/2025. (Harrison, A) (Entered: 08/01/2025)	RECAP
38	Aug. 15, 2025	Selection of ASA BELL as mediator filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 08/15/2025)	RECAP
39	Aug. 18, 2025	ORDER Appointing Mediator - Asa bell appointed. Signed by Peter A. Moore, Jr., Clerk of Court on 8/18/2025. (Harrison, A) (Entered: 08/18/2025)	RECAP
40	Dec. 15, 2025	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time for disclosure of expert reports filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Mance, Ian) (Entered: 12/15/2025)	RECAP
41	Dec. 16, 2025	ORDER granting 40 Motion for Extension of Time. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever, III on 12/16/2025. (Harrison, A) (Entered: 12/16/2025)	RECAP
	Dec. 16, 2025	Motion Submitted
	Dec. 16, 2025	Motion Submitted to District Judge James C. Dever, III regarding 40 Consent MOTION for Extension of Time for disclosure of expert reports. (Harrison, A)
42	Dec. 30, 2025	Notice of Appearance filed by Marissa Kristine Jensen on behalf of Tyrrell County. (Jensen, Marissa) (Entered: 12/30/2025)	RECAP
43	Jan. 5, 2026	MOTION for Protective Order Prohibiting Depositions filed by Tyrrell County. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order granting motion for protective order) (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 01/05/2026)	RECAP
44	Jan. 5, 2026	Memorandum in Support regarding 43 MOTION for Protective Order Prohibiting Depositions filed by Tyrrell County. (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 01/05/2026)	RECAP
	Jan. 6, 2026	Motion Submitted
	Jan. 6, 2026	Motion No Longer Submitted
	Jan. 6, 2026	Motion Submitted to District Judge James C. Dever, III regarding 43 MOTION for Protective Order Prohibiting Depositions. (Harrison, A)
	Jan. 6, 2026	Motion No Longer Submitted to District Judge James C. Dever, III: regarding 43 MOTION for Protective Order Prohibiting Depositions. (Harrison, A)
45	Jan. 9, 2026	ORDER REFERRING MOTION: 43 MOTION for Protective Order Prohibiting Depositions filed by Tyrrell County. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever III on 1/9/2026. Motion referred to Robert T. Numbers, II. (Harrison, A) (Entered: 01/09/2026)	RECAP
46	Jan. 20, 2026	Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Mance, Ian) (Entered: 01/20/2026)	RECAP
47	Jan. 20, 2026	Proposed Order regarding 46 Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Mance, Ian) (Entered: 01/20/2026)	RECAP
48	Jan. 20, 2026	Memorandum in Opposition regarding 43 MOTION for Protective Order Prohibiting Depositions, 44 Memorandum in Support filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Mance, Ian) (Entered: 01/20/2026)	RECAP
49	Jan. 21, 2026	ORDER granting 46 Motion for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery. Discovery due 04/16/2026, motions due 05/30/2026. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever, III on 1/21/2026. (Harrison, A) (Entered: 01/21/2026)	RECAP
	Jan. 21, 2026	Motion Submitted
	Jan. 21, 2026	Motion Submitted to District Judge James C. Dever, III regarding 46 Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery . (Harrison, A)
50	Feb. 19, 2026	ORDER denying 43 Motion for Protective Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II on 2/19/2026. (Pendergrass, C) (Entered: 02/19/2026)	RECAP
52	March 9, 2026	MOTION to Compel Discovery filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 03/09/2026)	RECAP
53	March 9, 2026	Memorandum in Support regarding 52 MOTION to Compel Discovery filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit) (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 03/09/2026)	RECAP
	March 10, 2026	Motion Submitted
	March 10, 2026	Motion Submitted to District Judge James C. Dever III regarding 52 MOTION to Compel Discovery. (Harrison, A)
54	March 12, 2026	ORDER: The court refers plaintiffs' pending motion [D.E. 52] to United States Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers II for disposition. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever III on 3/12/2026. (Harrison, A) (Entered: 03/12/2026)	RECAP
55	March 23, 2026	RESPONSE in Opposition regarding 52 MOTION to Compel Discovery filed by Tyrrell County. (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 03/23/2026)	RECAP
56	April 2, 2026	Certificate of Service filed by Adriana Blakeman, Joyce Sykes Fitch, Mark Mixon, Sherryreed Robinson, The Concerned Citizens of Tyrrell County Subpoena. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Return Receipt) (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 04/02/2026)	RECAP
57	April 10, 2026	Notice of Appearance filed by Elizabeth Guild Simpson on behalf of All Plaintiffs. (Simpson, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/10/2026)	RECAP
58	April 28, 2026	MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney filed by Adriana Blakeman. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 04/28/2026) 1 View on RECAP	RECAP
	April 29, 2026	Motion Submitted
	April 29, 2026	Motion Submitted to District Judge James C. Dever III regarding 58 MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney. (Harrison, A)
59	May 4, 2026	ORDER REFERRING MOTION: This matter is referred to United States Magistrate Judge Robrt T. Numbers II for prompt disposition of the pending motion 58 MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney filed by Adriana Blakeman. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever III on 5/4/2026. (Harrison, A) (Entered: 05/04/2026)	RECAP
60	May 4, 2026	ORDER: This matter is before the court on a motion by Jaelyn Miller and Ian Mance to withdraw their representation as attorney for Plaintiff Adriana Blakeman. D.E. 58. The motion contends that counsels repeated attempts to contact Blakeman have been unsuccessful and she has not communicated with them since January. Id. They maintain that Blakemans failure to respond to their repeated efforts at communication establishes good cause to permit them to withdraw their representation of her. Id. The court will hold a telephonic hearing on the motion on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. Counsel shall notify Blakeman that her attendance at the telephonic hearing is required.The case manager will provide the call-in information to the parties. Signed by Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II on 5/4/2026. (Harrison, A) (Entered: 05/04/2026)	RECAP
	May 4, 2026	Set Hearing as to 58 MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney. Motion Hearing set for 5/13/2026 at 03:30 PM in Telephonic before Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers II. (Harrison, A)
	May 5, 2026	Set/Reset Motion and M&R Hearings
61	May 13, 2026	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II - Motion Hearing held on 5/13/2026 regarding 58 MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney filed by Adriana Blakeman. Parties present via teleconference. The Court hears from the parties regarding the motion. The Court takes this matter under advisement. Written order to follow.(Court Reporter - FTR) (Pendergrass, C) (Entered: 05/13/2026)	RECAP
62	May 22, 2026	ORDER: The court grants the motion to withdraw. D.E. 58. On or before Wednesday, May 28, 2026, Plaintiffs counsel must file a Notice containing contact information for Blakeman, including her most recent mailing address and email address. Upon receipt of the Notice, the Clerk shall send a copy of this order to Blakeman by U.S. mail. The court orders that within 21 days of the filing of this order, Blakeman must file a notice of self-representation or cause new counsel to file a notice of appearance. A self-represented party is responsible for being familiar and complying with all applicable rules and pending deadlines in this action. If Blakeman fails to comply with this order, the court may dismiss her from this case without giving her a further opportunity to be heard. Signed by Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II on 5/22/2026. (Harrison, A) Modified on 5/29/2026 to reflect copy via US Mail sent to Adriana Blakeman 3664 Hearthstone Dr Valdosta, GA 31605(Harrison, A). (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
63	May 27, 2026	Joint MOTION for Extension of Time of dispositive motion deadline filed by Tyrrell County. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order granting extension of dispositive motion deadline) (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 05/27/2026)	RECAP
64	May 28, 2026	Notice filed by Joyce Sykes Fitch regarding 62 Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney,,, . (Miller, Jaelyn) (Entered: 05/28/2026)	RECAP
	May 28, 2026	Motion Submitted
	May 28, 2026	Motion Submitted to District Judge James C. Dever III regarding 63 Joint MOTION for Extension of Time of dispositive motion deadline. (Harrison, A)
65	May 29, 2026	ORDER granting 63 Motion for Extension of Time. Motions due 06/29/2026. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever III on 5/29/2026. (Harrison, A) (Entered: 05/29/2026)	RECAP
66	June 26, 2026	NOTICE of Settlement (Joint) by Tyrrell County (Bader, Steven) (Entered: 06/26/2026)	RECAP

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Case Details

State / Territory:

North Carolina

Case Type(s):

Public Benefits/Government Services

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 21, 2024

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

CCTC is a local civic organization based in Tyrrell County, and it aims to improve the quality of life of the people in the county, especially Black residents. The plaintiffs are the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and other members of CCTC. The

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

County

Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1982

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of North Carolina 2:24-cv-00026

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Relief Granted:

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Pattern or Practice

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Impact

Discrimination Basis:

Race discrimination

Affected Race(s):

Black

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Fitch v. Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/47706/ (last updated 4/1/2026).