By: Sherifat A. Mohammed 

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The Triple Six Eight centers around the real life 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, which was an all-Black and all-female Battalion during World War II. The film is based on an article entitled: “Fighting a Two-Front War” written by Kevin M. Hymell which was written in 2019. The article focuses on untold stories about these women and their contributions to the United States and the world. 

In the annals of World War II, tales of courage, resilience, and determination abound, but few stories are as extraordinary—or as overlooked—as that of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Known as the "Six Triple Eight," this pioneering unit was the first and only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during the war. Their mission was monumental: to clear a  a two-year backlog of undelivered mail intended for U.S. troops stationed in Europe.

World War II serves as the backdrop for these women as they are charged with getting undelivered mail to many U.S. Troops who were depending on getting their mail to get them through the war. 

The roots of World War II can be traced back to the unresolved issues of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. Harsh reparations imposed on Germany, coupled with economic instability during the Great Depression, created fertile ground for the rise of extremist ideologies. In Germany, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party seized power in 1933, promoting nationalism, anti-Semitism, and militarism.

Simultaneously, other totalitarian regimes emerged, including Benito Mussolini's Fascist government in Italy and militarist leadership in Japan, which sought territorial expansion. In 1939, Germany’s invasion of Poland triggered the war, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany. Soon, the conflict expanded into a global struggle.

In addition to the war, there was something else lingering in the background as well. Racism. World War II is often remembered as a fight for democracy and freedom against tyranny, yet for many Black soldiers who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the war was also a battle against entrenched racism and inequality. Despite their contributions to the war effort, Black soldiers faced systemic discrimination both at home and abroad, making their service a poignant testament to resilience and courage.

Formed in 1944, the 6888th Battalion was born out of necessity and a desire to address logistical challenges that had a direct impact on troop morale. By late 1944, warehouses in Europe were overflowing with millions of undelivered letters and packages, creating a morale crisis among soldiers longing for news from home. The War Department realized the importance of ensuring troops received their mail but faced a critical labor shortage.

Enter the women of the 6888th Battalion, a group of nearly 850 enlisted personnel and officers led by Major Charity Adams Earley, the highest-ranking Black woman in the U.S. Army at the time. These women volunteered to step into the breach, despite the dual challenges of serving in a segregated military and overcoming the entrenched racism and sexism of the era.

The women of the 6888th arrived in Birmingham, England, in February 1945 to tackle the massive backlog of mail. They were met with freezing temperatures, dimly lit warehouses, and the daunting task of sorting millions of pieces of mail addressed to soldiers with incomplete or common names like "John Smith." Despite the conditions, the battalion established an efficient system, working in three shifts around the clock.

Their motto, "No Mail, Low Morale," was more than a slogan—it was their guiding principle. The women organized the mail with extraordinary speed, creating a database of names to track soldiers’ whereabouts. They accomplished in three months what was expected to take six, processing an average of 65,000 pieces of mail per shift.

After completing their mission in Birmingham, the battalion was sent to Rouen, France, where they faced similar challenges. Their relentless work ethic and efficiency ensured that soldiers across Europe received letters and packages that often contained words of encouragement, reminders of home, and tokens of love—lifelines in the chaos of war.

The 6888th Battalion returned to the United States in 1946, having completed their mission with little fanfare. For decades, their contributions were largely forgotten, overshadowed by other wartime narratives. The women of the 6888th faced the harsh realities of segregation when they returned home, often denied the recognition afforded to their white counterparts.

It wasn’t until recent years that the battalion’s story began to gain the acknowledgment it so richly deserves. In 2019, a monument honoring the 6888th was erected at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In 2022, President Joe Biden posthumously awarded the battalion the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.

The story of the 6888th Battalion is not just a tale of military efficiency; it’s a story of courage, determination, and breaking barriers. These women embodied the ideals of service and sacrifice, proving that heroism transcends race and gender. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the contributions of African American women to the nation’s history, inspiring future generations to overcome challenges and fight for recognition.

The racism faced by Black soldiers during World War II underscores the resilience of those who fought not only against external enemies but also against the injustice within their own ranks. Their sacrifices and achievements are a reminder of the strength required to overcome systemic discrimination and the enduring struggle for equality. By remembering their stories, we honor their contributions to both the war effort and the broader fight for civil rights, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire future generations. 

Today, the 6888th Battalion stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the vital role of mail in maintaining human connections, even in the darkest of times. They were more than postal workers; they were morale builders, trailblazers, and heroes. Their story deserves to be remembered and celebrated as a cornerstone of American history.

The Six Triple Eight stars: Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidan, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Shanice Shantay, Sarah Jeffrey, Pepi Sonuga, Moriah Brown, Greg Sulkin, Susan Sarandon, Dean Norris, Sam Waterson, and Oprah Winfrey. The film was released in select theaters on December 6, 2024 and began streaming on Netflix on December 20, 2024. 

ATL Plus Magazine honors the illustrious and courageous women of the 6888th Battalion. 

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