Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
The Six Triple Eight: Celebrating Unsung Heroes of WWII
“The Six Triple Eight,” a new release on Netflix, shares the remarkable story of the first predominantly Black and female army battalion to serve overseas in World War II. The film, which features Kerry Washington and is directed by Tyler Perry, highlights the unsung contributions of these women, who played a crucial role during a tumultuous time in history.
Producer Nicole Avant emphasized the importance of telling this story, noting, “You’ve got to watch this, because this story is not really told in America, and we need to tell the story.”
The Legacy of the 6888th Postal Battalion
Formed during World War II, the 6888th Postal Battalion was primarily made up of Black American women who were deployed to various locations in England and France. Their primary mission was to tackle a daunting backlog of mail that had accumulated over the years.
As stated in the film, the motto of the battalion was encapsulated by the idea that “when there is no mail, there is low morale,” a sentiment echoed by Washington in her portrayal of U.S. Army Maj. Charity Adams. Adams led around 850 women and eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, making her the highest-ranking Black woman in the Army at that time.
Army records reveal that over 3.3 billion pieces of mail were processed to reach soldiers at the front lines in 1945, amidst complaints regarding low morale stemming from mail delivery delays. This situation prompted the formation of the 6888th to address these pressing issues.
Avant remarked on the battalion’s determination and focus, saying, “They were determined, and they were committed, and they were focused. And they weren’t going to let anything stand in between themselves and their goal and their mission.” At the time, the postal service was the only means of communication for the troops.
Impact and Achievements
During their service, historians estimate that the women of the 6888th processed approximately 65,000 pieces of mail in just an eight-hour shift. In total, they managed to clear a backlog of around 17 million pieces of mail during their deployment.
Avant highlighted their dedication and professional excellence: “Their secret was they were not waiting for things to be fair or right or just, even to be excellent. They were excellent and they were patriots.” She expressed a desire to shine a light on their contributions, stating, “They weren’t really celebrated, which is why we wanted to do this movie.”
Producer’s Personal Connection
Nicole Avant’s involvement in the film is deeply personal. Her political career includes working on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas. Avant also authored a bestselling novel in memory of her mother after her tragic passing. Her father, Clarence Avant, a prominent figure in the music industry known as “The Black Godfather,” had a chance to see the film before he passed away, adding to its significance for her.
In a poignant moment, a member of the 6888th, retired CPL Lena Derriecott Bell King, was able to view the film shortly before her passing in January. Avant noted the importance of ensuring the story’s accuracy for King, emphasizing that it meant a great deal, especially to Tyler Perry.
The film features a talented cast, including Ebony Obsidian as King, Oprah Winfrey portraying civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune, and Susan Sarandon as first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Avant expressed the collective commitment of the cast to honor these heroes, stating, “Everyone wanted to tell this story, about these unsung American heroes that really changed the game and the trajectory of World War II.”
The Six Triple Eight stands as a tribute to these courageous women, underscoring their vital role in history and ensuring their contributions are recognized and celebrated in popular culture.
Source
www.foxnews.com