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Roosevelt Ward

Released
Gender:Male
Race:Black
Era:1950s
State:Louisiana
Support
Civil Rights Communism
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Biography

Roosevelt Ward Jr. was a young Black leader of the Labor Youth League prosecuted in New Orleans for failing to notify his draft board of a change of address — a charge his supporters saw as a political reprisal. He drew a three-year sentence and was freed on $15,000 bail pending appeal.

Case

Charges: Selective Service violation — failing to notify his draft board of a change of address.
Sentence: Three years; released on $15,000 bail pending appeal. Verdict as recorded: Convicted; sentenced to three years (on appeal).
Convicted: Yes