In an inspiring story of perseverance, courage, and overcoming racial and gender barriers, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
A group of 855 Black women, tasked with clearing a two-year postal backlog during World War II, is now the subject of a powerful new film, The Six Triple Eight, which premiered on Netflix on Dec. 20.
These women, stationed in Birmingham, England, were entrusted with the seemingly impossible task of sorting and delivering 17 million letters that had piled up, many of them illegible or damaged.
Despite the odds, the battalion completed the mission in just three months—half the time they were initially given. Their success provided vital morale-boosting communication to soldiers on the frontlines, ensuring that families were informed about their loved ones’ safety or fate.
Directed by Tyler Perry, the film highlights the leadership of Major Charity Adams, portrayed by Kerry Washington.
Adams, the first Black woman to command an overseas battalion in the U.S. Army, led the group through a series of challenges, not only from the daunting postal task but also from the deep-seated racism and sexism they faced both in the military and at home.
The women of the 6888th were the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to be stationed in Europe during World War II.
In addition to their struggle against war-related obstacles, they had to contend with racial prejudice and misogyny. Even after returning home, many of them kept their extraordinary contributions a secret due to the stigma they faced.
“Everybody thought it was impossible, what they were up against,” Kerry Washington shared in an interview with the BBC. “And I think that’s why the film resonates with people—because it’s not just about these particular Black women, but about anyone who’s ever felt underestimated, doubted, or pushed aside.”
The legacy of these women remained largely hidden for decades, with many of them reluctant to share their stories due to the prejudice they encountered. However, through Perry’s film, their triumphs are now being celebrated and recognized on a global scale.
Elizabeth Barker Johnson, one of the original members of the battalion, spoke about her experience years later.
“I just made sure the mail got to the people who needed it. It made me feel good to know I was making a difference,” she recalled in a 2018 interview with the BBC.
In a time when women of color faced significant discrimination, the 6888th Battalion’s success was nothing short of historic. The film The Six Triple Eight captures the essence of their story and honors their courage in the face of adversity.
Charity Adams’ leadership qualities shine through in the film, with Kerry Washington describing her as “strict and stern, yet full of love for her soldiers.”
Major Adams’ unwavering commitment to the battalion was essential to their mission’s success.
For generations, the contributions of these women were forgotten.
Now, The Six Triple Eight ensures that their story will be remembered, inspiring future generations to overcome any obstacles that lie in their path.
