Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington bring to life the untold story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-female Army unit that played a crucial role during World War II by clearing a massive backlog of mail. The film, "Six Triple Eight," highlights the challenges these women faced, including discrimination and poor working conditions, while emphasizing their significant contributions to the war effort.
The untold story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-female Army unit, has been brought to the screen by Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington in the film "Six Triple Eight." This remarkable unit made history during World War II by clearing a daunting backlog of mail to support U.S. troops stationed in Europe. Despite facing significant challenges, including discrimination and harsh working conditions, these women accomplished their mission with remarkable efficiency and dedication. The film, now streaming on Netflix, aims to shed light on this overlooked chapter of history and honor the contributions of these trailblazing women.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as "Six Triple Eight," was tasked with clearing a massive backlog of 17 million pieces of mail during World War II. This was a crucial mission as mail served as the primary means of communication between soldiers and their families, significantly affecting troop morale. Under the leadership of Major Charity Adams, the highest-ranking Black female officer during the war, the battalion managed to complete the task in just 90 days, defying expectations. Despite facing discrimination and poor working conditions, these women demonstrated resilience and commitment, ultimately proving their worth and capability in a challenging environment. Their story remained largely untold for decades until Tyler Perry decided to bring it to life on the screen [1] [2].
Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington have collaborated to bring the story of the 6888th Battalion to a wider audience through the film "Six Triple Eight." Kerry Washington stars as Major Charity Adams, portraying the strength and leadership of the battalion's commanding officer. The film highlights the challenges these women faced, including racial discrimination and the skepticism of their capabilities. Perry and Washington emphasized the importance of sharing this story, as it sheds light on the contributions of Black women during the war, which have been historically overlooked. Perry recounted a touching moment with Lena King, one of the last surviving members of the battalion, who expressed her gratitude for the film's portrayal of their efforts [3] [4].
The legacy of the 6888th Battalion has finally received the recognition it deserves. In 2022, the unit was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, acknowledging their significant contributions during World War II. The film "Six Triple Eight" has further amplified their story, ensuring that their efforts are not forgotten. Surviving members of the battalion have been honored at various events, and their story has been documented in books and documentaries. The film serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of these women, who overcame immense challenges to serve their country. As Tyler Perry stated, "There were 855 Black women and women of color who served in World War II, and no one knew it." The film aims to correct this historical oversight and celebrate the achievements of these unsung heroes [5] [6].
The film "Six Triple Eight" not only brings to light the incredible story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion but also serves as a reminder of the contributions of Black women in history that have often been overlooked. Through the efforts of Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington, the legacy of these women is now recognized and celebrated. Their story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and it continues to inspire future generations. As the film reaches audiences worldwide, it ensures that the bravery and achievements of the 6888th Battalion will never be forgotten.
""I believe in me. And I believe in we."" - Kerry Washington
""Tyler, thank you for letting the world know that black women contributed into war effort."" - Lena King
""There were 855 Black women and women of color who served in World War II, and no one knew it."" - Tyler Perry