Congresswoman Brown Launches Effort to Name Collinwood Post Office After WWII Hero and Cleveland Trailblazer Tech Sergeant Alma Minter

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) has introduced legislation to name the Collinwood neighborhood Post Office in Cleveland, Ohio in honor of Tech Sergeant Alma Gladys Minter (1920-2007), a long-time Cleveland resident who served in the 6888^th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. 

The “Six Triple Eight” was the first and only all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit to serve overseas during the war. In February 1945, Minter, along with over 800 other women, were deployed to clear a backlog of over 17 million pieces of mail in Europe. The Six Triple Eight completed their mission in less than 90 days, ensuring that mail from the Homefront could reach American troops in Europe. 

Brown’s legislation would designate the Post Office at 890 E. 152^nd Street in Cleveland the “Technical Sergeant Alma Gladys Minter Post Office Building.” Bill Text Available Here

The legislation is cosponsored by: Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Rep. Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Rep. Mike Carey (OH-15), Rep. Warren Davidson (OH-08), Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-04), Rep. Dave Joyce (OH-14), Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Rep. Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rep. Bob Latta (OH-05), Rep. Michael Rulli (OH-06), Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-02), Rep. Mike Turner (OH-10), Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04), Rep. Andre Carson (IN-07), Rep. Shomari Figures (AL-02), and Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02).

“This is a truly fitting honor, because when no one else could, Alma Minter delivered the mail—and she did it ahead of schedule. As a member of the Six Triple Eight, she connected the home front with the front lines, improving morale, lifting spirits, and contributing to the Allied victory in World War II.But when Tech Sgt. Minter and her unit returned home, their service went largely unrecognized. This bill would change that, ensuring everyone who visits the Collinwood Post Office will know her name and the story of the courageous Black women who helped secure victory in World War II,” said Congresswoman Brown. “Naming the post office in honor of Tech Seargent Minter is a way to ensure her legacy, and the legacy of Six Triple Eight, lives on in the hearts of the community she called home.”

Donna Wilson, Daughter of Alma Minter, Submitted the Following Statement on Behalf of the Minter Family: 

"Our family is overwhelmed with joy to see our mother, Tech Sgt. Alma G. Minter, recognized for her service. She loved this country and served it with quiet strength as a proud member of the 6888th Battalion. 

“Though she never sought the spotlight, I know she would be deeply honored. We proudly display her medals, and the flag presented to us in recognition of her service by Congresswoman Brown. They are lasting reminders of her sacrifice, legacy, and the history she helped shape. We are so proud."

“Tech Sgt. Alma Minter was a local Cleveland hero who served our country and a shining example of how Black Americans have answered our nation’s call for generations. Naming the Collinwood neighborhood post office after Tech Sgt. Minter is especially fitting because as a member of the 6888^th Battalion, she delivered the mail to soldiers in Europe during World War II. As a unit featuring Black women, the 6888 were overlooked and forgotten after the war. Naming this post office in Alma Minter’s honor connects Clevelanders past, present, and future to an important part of our nation’s story. I’m proud to support Congresswoman Brown’s effort to rename the Collinwood Post Office after Tech Sgt. Alma Minter,” said Cleveland Ward Ten Councilman Anthony T. Hairston.

The Six Triple Eight was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by an act of Congress in 2022 and honored at a ceremony at the Capitol this year. 

In February, Congresswoman Brown spoke on the House floor in Washington to recognize Minter’s serviceand share her story. She also presented Minter’s family with additional military medals at her State of the District address in Cleveland. For more information on the Six Triple Eight, click here.  

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