The Omaha guide., 1947-09-27
..CLEEVLAND NEGRO CITIZENS
COUNCIL FIGHTS FOR CLERK

COUNCIL FIGHTS FOR CLERK
The Cleveland Negro Citizens Coun-
Gil learned this week that the case
of Joseph P. Bryant, Jr., former postal
employee, will be been made a M.
tional issue by the National Alliance
Of Postal Employees. The biennial
convention of the Alliance, meeting
in Cleveland recently, made the fight
for the reinstatement Of the falsely
accused former postal clerk the num-
Der n objective of the postal organi-
cation by taking positive action to as
sure the ultimate success in this case
which has already attracted national
national attention.
Joseph Bryant, formerly employed
as the only Negro window clerk in the
exclusive Shaker Square Station of the
Cleveland Post Office was removed
from that assignment by postal in
spectors who charged him with frau
dulently demanding and receiving 72
partment took steps to secure his dis
missal found Mr.. Bryant was not
guilty of the charges upon which the
Department based their action in his
dismissal.
The Post Office Department per-
functorily refused Joseph Bryant's ap-
%plication for reinstatement after h.
had been exonerated by the Federal
Court, however, after a tremendous
storm Of protest raised by the Cleve-
land community and echoed through
out the nation and on the floor Of
Congress, the Department announced
on July g, that the case is being re-
viewed. Since that time no official
word has come from the Department,
although it has been reliably reported
that Mr.. Bryant has been offered his
reinstatement on the condition that
he first in writing all claims
to any back pay. The offer is said to
have been rejected
The Cleveland Negro Citizens Coun.
ell was formed out of representatives
of interested Cleveland organizations,
primarily to carry on an intensive
campaign in close cooperation with
the local Branch of the Alliance, 10
gain simple justice for Joseph Bryant.
The NAACP, Urban League, Future
Outlook League, religious, civic and
labor organizations are all represent
ed in the Council whose activities have
aroused the support of all responsible
individuals and organizations in the
community. The magnificent response
has included action by both central
labor bodies, members of the Congress
and the cooperation Of both the white
and Negro press. All recognize the
inherent threat to the fundamental
right of trial by jury and the power
of the courts TO protect an innocent
victim from the effects Of false
charges.
The Council was greatly heartened
by the news of the action Of the Ma
tional Alliance convention which,
after unanimously passing strongly
worded resolutions of protest against
arbitrary actions Of the Post Office
Department and Of about support to
Joseph Bryant, proceeded to set up a
committee responsible only to the con-
vention and charged with the duty Of
taking whatever steps are necessary
until the verdict Of the Federal Court
is fully supplemented.
The Cleveland Negro Citizens Coun-
Gil has advised the National Alliance
Committee that the Council will CO.
operate fully with the Committee on
the Bryant case and has in u been
advised that DR.. George M. johnson.
Dean of the Howard University School
Of Law, has also offered his services
in any capacity. DR.. Johnson is a men,
Der of the Supreme Court Bar. Thus,
it becomes apparent that with the
Cleveland community solidily behind
Joseph Bryant and with the Postal AL
lance, counseled by DR.. Johnson,
spearheading the fight for his rein
statement on a national scale, the in
gredientr Cor ultimate victory are at
hand