Six Triple Eight, Tyler Perry’s latest film, tells the inspiring story of the 6888th Battalion, an all-female, all-African American unit during World War II. Available on Netflix, the movie offers a poignant tribute to these forgotten heroines.
« Six Triple Eight »: a cinematic rehabilitation
Courage often goes unseen in war stories. Yet there are heroes and heroines who, despite being outside the spotlight, made history through their resilience. Six Triple Eight, Tyler Perry’s latest masterpiece, delves into the untold story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-female, all-African American unit working behind the scenes during World War II. Produced by Netflix and championed by influential figures like Nicole Avant, this film fills a gap in the collective memory.
The 6888th battalion: making the invisible visible
In 1944, World War II was at a critical juncture in Europe. As Allied forces advanced across the continent, a logistical crisis threatened to undermine soldiers’ morale: millions of letters and packages were stuck in warehouses in England and France. This mail, a fragile link between soldiers and their families, piled up, fueling frustration and despair.
To address this crisis, the U.S. Army formed an unprecedented unit: the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, nicknamed “Six Triple Eight.” Led by Major Charity Adams, this battalion was composed entirely of African American women. Their mission? Sort and deliver mountains of mail in freezing warehouses under grueling conditions. Their motto, “No mail, low morale,” became the rallying cry of a group whose heroism transcended racial and gender barriers.
These women didn’t just battle delayed mail; they also faced the prejudice of a segregated military. Housed in rudimentary facilities and confronted with institutional racism, they demonstrated that courage manifests in silent struggles too. Under Major Adams, the first African American woman to achieve that rank in the U.S. Army, the 6888th Battalion became a model of efficiency, sorting up to 65,000 parcels daily and achieving in three months what seemed impossible.
Six Triple Eight: a history lesson on the big screen
Tyler Perry, known for exploring resilience and struggle within the African American community, delivers a masterful work. Adapting Kevin M. Hymel’s article, “WAC Corporal Lena Derriecott and the 6888th Central Postal Battalion,”Perry crafts a story both intimate and universal. He transforms Six Triple Eight into a living archive of historical justice.
Perry doesn’t just tell a story; he recreates a world. The icy warehouses of England, meticulously recreated uniforms, and detailed sets immerse viewers in an era where each letter carried a family’s hope.
Kerry Washington’s portrayal of Major Charity Adams is a natural choice. Known for her intense and committed performances, she brilliantly embodies this leader who galvanized her troops against monumental odds. Alongside her, Oprah Winfrey adds emotional depth as a soldier’s mother, symbolizing the familial bonds that motivated these heroines.
The cast includes rising stars like Ebony Obsidian and Milauna Jackson, who bring vibrant authenticity. Together, they bring to life a tale where humanity triumphs over prejudice.
Nicole Avant: a visionary producer
Nicole Avant, producer and a prominent figure in African American cinema, plays a key role in bringing Six Triple Eightto life. Known for championing stories that honor the diaspora’s contributions, Avant lends depth and authenticity to the project. Her involvement ensures the film is not just entertainment but also an educational and memorial work.
In a recent interview, Avant said:
“WITH SIX TRIPLE EIGHT, WE WANTED TO ENSURE THAT THESE WOMEN FINALLY RECEIVE THE RECOGNITION THEY DESERVE. THEIR STORY MUST INSPIRE FUTURE GENERATIONS.”
The film is an extension of Avant’s vision for cinema as a tool not just for box office success but for actively shaping collective memory.
A historical and cultural impact
In 2024, the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Six Triple Eight arrives at a pivotal moment. As the fight for social justice and recognition of African American contributions continues, the film serves as a powerful tool for education and inspiration.
The 6888th Battalion embodies solidarity and perseverance, resonating deeply in today’s context. It reminds us that victory is not only won on battlefields but also in the tireless efforts of those working in the shadows.
For decades, the 6888th Battalion was forgotten, relegated to a historical footnote. Only in 2022, with the passage of the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act, did these women receive national recognition. Tyler Perry’s film amplifies this acknowledgment, turning historical injustice into a universal homage.
An unforgettable cinematic experience
Michael Watson’s cinematography, combined with Aaron Zigman’s poignant score, creates an immersive experience. Every shot, every musical note plunges viewers into the emotional intensity of the era. Scenes of mail sorting, choreographed with military precision, capture both the pressure and camaraderie uniting these women.
Six Triple Eight is not just an artistic work. It’s a call to celebrate forgotten stories and revisit historical narratives with an inclusive lens. The film urges viewers to ask: How many more stories like this remain undiscovered?
A rediscovered legacy
Six Triple Eight is more than a film; it is a monument to heroines whose contributions were eclipsed by history. Tyler Perry, Nicole Avant, and an exceptional team have created a work that transcends cinema, becoming an act of remembrance.
As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day, this film reminds us that victories, whether military or social, stem from the collective efforts of those often overlooked by history. By highlighting the 6888th Battalion, Six Triple Eight inspires a generation to recognize courage, resilience, and the importance of collective memory.
Don’t miss Six Triple Eight, available on Netflix from December 20, 2024. Discover a story that deserves to be told, celebrated, and shared.
Sources and references
- Hymel, Kevin M. (2019):
“WAC Corporal Lena Derriecott and the 6888th Central Postal Battalion” published in WWII History Magazine. - National Archives:
“The Six Triple Eight: No Mail, Low Morale,” detailing the 6888th Battalion’s mission and legacy. - Grobar, Matt (January 11, 2023):
“Kerry Washington to Exec Produce, Star in Tyler Perry’s Netflix WWII Pic Six Triple Eight,” published in Deadline Hollywood. - Interview with Nicole Avant:
Featured in The Hollywood Reporter, 2024, discussing the production and significance of Six Triple Eight. - United States Congress:
“Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2022,” acknowledging the historical contributions of the 6888th Battalion.
