Forgotten Battalion of Black Women Celebrated in Netflix's The Six Triple Eight
Netflix’s latest release, The Six Triple Eight, brings to light the incredible, yet largely forgotten, story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This group of 855 Black women was dispatched to Birmingham, England, during World War II to tackle a staggering two-year backlog of mail—a task that had defeated others before them.
These women, operating against the odds, successfully processed 17 million letters in just six months, ensuring vital communication between soldiers on the front lines and their families back home.
Directed and written by critically acclaimed filmmaker Tyler Perry, the film stars Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams, the formidable leader of this groundbreaking Women’s Army Corps unit. The Six Triple Eight premieres on Netflix on Friday, December 20, offering audiences a powerful tale of determination, resilience, and hope.
Challenge: Delivering Hope Amid Chaos
The battalion faced immense challenges. Letters were stacked in moldy hangars, many with illegible names and addresses. Morale among soldiers was at an all-time low due to the lack of communication with loved ones.
In the film, Major Adams, played by Washington, addresses her troops with a mission statement that underscores the importance of their work: “Ladies, we have been ordered to provide hope and communication and care packages to our exhausted soldiers on the front line, and to let their families back home know if they are safe—or if they have died in battle.”
Despite the monumental task, the battalion succeeded where others had failed, becoming a beacon of hope for soldiers and families alike.
Fighting on Multiple Fronts
The Six Triple Eight also delves into the social challenges faced by these women. As the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color stationed in Europe during World War II, the battalion endured racism, sexism, and prejudice. Their contributions were often downplayed or dismissed.
Kerry Washington reflects on the layered struggles of these women:
“They were fighting a war on every front—World War II, racism, and misogyny. Even when they returned home, they faced baseless rumors that tarnished their achievements, such as claims that they were sent to Europe merely as concubines for Black male soldiers.”
The film emphasizes that this injustice contributed to many of these women choosing not to share their stories, resulting in their legacy remaining hidden for decades.
A Legacy Reclaimed
Set in Edgbaston, Birmingham, where the battalion was based at King Edward’s School, The Six Triple Eight honors these unsung heroes. Their triumph is a testament to the power of perseverance and unity in the face of adversity.
Director Tyler Perry highlights their significance:
“They were tasked with an impossible mission, yet they delivered. Their story reminds us that history is filled with overlooked heroes who deserve recognition.”
As viewers learn about this remarkable chapter in history, The Six Triple Eight not only celebrates the women’s extraordinary accomplishments but also ensures their legacy will inspire future generations.