In December, Netflix will bring to life a powerful and long-overdue story with the release of Tyler Perry's The Six Triple Eight. This biopic, set to premiere in select theaters on December 6 and available for streaming on Netflix starting December 20, tells the compelling story of the first and only Women's Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas during World War II. The film, written, directed, and produced by Tyler Perry, promises to be a moving tribute to the unsung heroines of the Six Triple Eight.
The Six Triple Eight: A Legacy of Courage and Determination
The story of the Six Triple Eight is one of resilience, bravery, and triumph in the face of adversity. Officially known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, this unit was composed of 855 Black women and women of color. They were tasked with a critical mission: to sort and clear a massive backlog of undelivered mail that had piled up in warehouses across Europe, ensuring that soldiers fighting on the front lines could receive letters from their loved ones back home.
In the 1940s, the U.S. military was deeply segregated, and opportunities for Black women to serve their country were severely limited. However, the demand for manpower during WWII led to the creation of the Women's Army Corps (WAC) in 1942, allowing women to take on roles that were traditionally held by men. Despite this progress, women of color faced significant challenges, including racism, sexism, and skepticism about their capabilities.
Major Charity Adams: A Trailblazer in Military History
At the heart of the Six Triple Eight's story is Major Charity Adams, portrayed by Kerry Washington in the film. Major Adams holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to be commissioned as an officer in the Women's Army Corps. Her leadership and determination were instrumental in the success of the Six Triple Eight.
Born in 1918 in Columbia, South Carolina, Charity Adams grew up in a segregated society but was determined to pursue education and a career. She graduated from Wilberforce University, an historically Black college, with a degree in mathematics. When the opportunity arose to join the Women's Army Corps, Adams seized it, determined to serve her country and break down barriers for future generations.
In the film's teaser, Major Adams is seen rallying her troops with the powerful words, “I need women who had to fight to survive. I am giving you my best and you will give me yours.” This encapsulates the spirit of the Six Triple Eight, a unit that had to be not just good, but exceptional, to prove their worth in a military that was still grappling with deep-seated prejudices.
The Mission and Challenges of the Six Triple Eight
The Six Triple Eight was deployed to Europe in 1945, where they were confronted with an overwhelming task. In Birmingham, England, they faced warehouses filled with millions of pieces of mail that had been delayed for months. The backlog threatened to undermine the morale of soldiers who relied on letters from home to maintain their spirits during the brutal war.
Working under grueling conditions, the women of the Six Triple Eight operated around the clock in shifts, sorting and processing an average of 65,000 pieces of mail per day. They did this despite the freezing temperatures, inadequate housing, and the constant threat of air raids. Their work was not only a logistical triumph but also a moral one, as they delivered hope and connection to soldiers who desperately needed it.
The Six Triple Eight's motto, “No Mail, Low Morale,” underscores the importance of their mission. By the time they finished their work, the backlog was completely cleared, and the women had proven that they were just as capable, if not more so, than their male counterparts.
Tyler Perry's Dedication to Telling the Story
Tyler Perry's The Six Triple Eight is not just a film; it's a labor of love and a tribute to the women who made history. Perry, known for his powerful storytelling and dedication to highlighting African American experiences, has spared no detail in bringing this story to life. In a tweet sharing the teaser for the film, Perry expressed his deep connection to the project: “You have no idea what it means to me to have been given the grace and the blessing to be able to tell THIS story! Every detail is dedicated to the memory of the 855 Black women and women of color of the Six Triple Eight. When America needed hope, they delivered!”
The film's cast, led by Kerry Washington, features a stellar lineup of actors, including Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, and even appearances by iconic figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Susan Sarandon. With such a talented cast and crew, The Six Triple Eight is poised to be a must-watch for anyone interested in history, military stories, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Conclusion: A Story That Deserves to Be Told
The Six Triple Eight is more than just a film; it's a reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of Black women and women of color in American history. The courage and determination of the Six Triple Eight continue to inspire, and Tyler Perry's film ensures that their story will be remembered for generations to come. As the film prepares to hit Netflix in December, it's an opportunity for viewers to learn about and honor the legacy of these extraordinary women who, despite all odds, delivered hope when America needed it most.
