'Aunt Jemima' Sues After Council Meeting Ban

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- An activist arrested after disrupting a City Council meeting dressed in an Aunt Jemima costume and banned from attending meetings until the end of March has filed a lawsuit claiming her rights were violated.

Brown was arrested and charged with causing a disturbance at a lawful assembly and resisting a police officer.

Jackie Brown filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to have the ban declared unconstitutional as well as unspecified damages and attorneys fees, The Florida Times-Union reported Monday.

She is also seeking an injunction that would let her attend council meetings while the lawsuit is pending, the paper reported.

The city will oppose the injunction, according to Assistant General Counsel Michael Wedner who declined further comment.

Brown, president of the Jacksonville Coalition of Black Contractors, was escorted out of a Nov. 22 City Council meeting after loudly criticizing the council for the city's small business incentive law. Brown said the law treats blacks like "slaves" because it does not provide enough opportunities for minority contractors.

She returned during a later public comment period and scuffled with a police officer after refusing to leave when ordered.

Brown was arrested and charged with causing a disturbance at a lawful assembly and resisting a police officer.