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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe Six Triple Eight

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, nicknamed the "Six Triple Eight", was a predominantly Black battalion of the US Women's Army Corps (WAC)[1] that managed postal services. The 6888th had 855 women and was led by Major Charity Adams.[2] It was the only predominantly Black US Women's Army Corps unit sent overseas during World War II.[2] The group motto was "No mail, low morale".[3] The battalion was organized into five companies: Headquarters, and Companies A, B, C, and D.[4] Most of the 6888th worked as postal clerks, but others were cooks, mechanics and held other support positions, so that the 6888th was a self-sufficient unit.[5].
During World War II, there was a significant shortage of soldiers who were able to manage the postal service for the U.S. Army overseas.[6] In 1944, Mary McLeod Bethune worked to get the support of the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, for "a role for black women in the war overseas."[7] Black newspapers, too, challenged the U.S. Army to "use black women in meaningful Army jobs."[8]
The women who signed up went to basic training in Georgia.[7] Women who were already in the WAC, like Alyce Dixon, served at different locations, including the Pentagon, before they joined the 6888th.[9]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6888th_Central_Postal_Directory_Battalion
MUST SEE!
scarletlib
(3,570 posts)ItsjustMe
(11,971 posts)
RhapsodyFav
(69 posts)I really liked to movie and learned something I didn't know. Buy why is there always one seeming "sympathetic" white person in these historical movies. Like, they always have to portray that not ALL white people were like this? Not saying it couldn't have been true, but there always seems to be one.
mopinko
(73,959 posts)William769
(59,147 posts)Nululu
(1,116 posts)the dare.
SocialDemocrat61
(8,044 posts)But could have done without the actress playing Elenore Roosevelt.
3catwoman3
(29,811 posts)I said, Oh, shit, when I saw her face.
mopinko
(73,959 posts)i thought her playing a woman most ppl thought was ugly was sorta poetic.
SocialDemocrat61
(8,044 posts)it would be more fitting if she played Magda Goebbels.
Jkanad
(36 posts)We all groaned when we saw her face.
ItsjustMe
(11,971 posts)TommieMommy
(3,078 posts)onecaliberal
(36,594 posts)calimary
(90,830 posts)The Six-Triple-Eight.
Learn something new every day!
Delmette2.0
(4,506 posts)This is a very good documentary.
oasis
(54,002 posts)Kid Berwyn
(25,120 posts)That is OUR history.
AllaN01Bear
(29,805 posts)greatauntoftriplets
(179,359 posts)I hadn't heard about this before. Thanks!
William769
(59,147 posts)Not been a good week for me (actually not a good month). 95% MAGA family.
MissB
(16,344 posts)Fort Lee (once named for confederate general Robert E. Lee) was renamed in 2022 to Fort Gregg-Adams (now the first US military base honoring two African Americans.)
Evolve Dammit
(21,818 posts)GeoWilliam750
(2,555 posts)niyad
(134,051 posts)mistake of starting to read the comments.. Vile, racist, misogynistic hatred just dripping from some of the most disgusting I have ever encountered.
I know their story, and am looking forward to seeing this film, so thank you.
LuvLoogie
(8,917 posts)Those comments on that YouTube trailer are vile. This is what has been elevated and cultivated by the GOP for decades. There are a lot of shitty people in this country.
We really liked the movie.
kimbutgar
(27,560 posts)I had tears in my eyes at the end.
They put up with so many challenges and they succeeded! Sorry that like 80 years later we are hearing this story.
onenote
(46,228 posts)on how these amazing women managed to clear a backlog of 17 million pieces of mail in just 90 days and maybe a bit less on the love story.
Dem4life1234
(2,533 posts)I felt that it was integral as that character found her missing love letter from her beloved to help with closure. Added a multi layer to the film. And the love story was true.
TNNurse
(7,550 posts)Tears were shed...by all three of us, and not just once.
I posted about it on FB and every comment has also been more than positive.
I suggest that it should be shown in history classes.
CousinIT
(12,763 posts)Dem4life1234
(2,533 posts)These stories need to be told. Kerry did a great job in this film, beautiful, smart, and tough as nails.
pansypoo53219
(23,175 posts)niyad
(134,051 posts)ugly mentality will be spewing about them, as well.
Bird Lady
(1,996 posts)Blue_Tires
(57,596 posts)😔
mdbl
(8,761 posts)Just watched it. Thanks for the heads up.
Evolve Dammit
(21,818 posts)Biglinda 52
(131 posts)I watched the beginning and thought the acting was so-so, but thought Tyler Perry might be introducing some new actresses and hey, that's ok. Kerry Washington was great, as usual. But the story was riveting. Just keep putting out those stories of history, women , minorities. I'm just loving it. Another on Netflix is "Rez Ball". Based on a true story. Gotta give Netflix credit for diversity. I also watch a LOT on its international channel. Lots of good films there.
PortTack
(35,824 posts)bluboid
(845 posts)more please about women's roles in WW2 history, especially prior to the 60's civil rights movement that significantly changed the world as we know it...
h2ebits
(1,007 posts)I think it is an excellent movie.
Brother Buzz
(40,438 posts)I didnt initially recognize Oprah Winfrey playing Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in the White House.
No mail, low morale,
niyad
(134,051 posts)Quiet Em
(3,025 posts)So inspiring.
I'm in awe.
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