Hollywood Powers Tyler Perry And Kerry Washington have joined forces to tell the remarkable story of the 6888th Postal Battalion, which was the only colored unit of the Women’s Army Corps stationed in Europe during World War II. Perry — who wrote, directed and produced the film — describes: “Six Triple Eight” as an important chapter in the history of the United States.
The film centers on the women of the 6888th who were sent to Europe with the daunting task of delivering a backlog of nearly 17 million pieces of mail to American soldiers and their families. The women not only accomplished the mission, but did so in just 90 days, defying expectations. Kerry Washington plays Major Charity Adams, the true commander of the unit and the highest ranking black officer in the war.
At Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall near Washington, D.C., Perry and Washington discussed the importance of sharing this history.
Washington’s portrait of Adams was a key part of the project. Perry explained his choice of Washington for the role, saying, “I thought, ‘Let’s show the world that there’s something so different here from you. I know they know Olivia Pope. But when we’re done, they’ll see ‘nobody but Charity Adams.'”
The film also provided intense moments of historical reflection. Perry recounted a personal meeting with Lena King, one of the last surviving members of the 6888th, who was 99 years old at the time and living in a hospice.
“I actually wanted all the surviving members to see it,” he said. “Lena was the only one who had the chance to make it. I rushed to make a cut and bought it for her.”
King’s reaction to the film was unforgettable for Perry.
“We watched it and she was in tears. And at the end, she’s waving and crying. And she says, ‘Tyler, thank you for letting the world know that black women contributed to the war effort.’ ” remembers Perry.
Both Perry and Washington acknowledged the importance of history, pointing out that the women of the 6888th had been historically overlooked.
“There were 855 black and colored women who served in World War II, and no one knew it,” Perry said. Washington added: “And went overseas to represent this country.”
The film also explores the strength of these women who faced immense difficulties.
“It’s really about exceeding expectations and being able to succeed against all odds and being able to stand up to people who don’t believe in you and say, ‘I believe in myself. And I believe in us,’” Washington said.
You can broadcast “Six Triple Eight” on Netflix.
