Kerry Washington’s “Six Triple Eight” Highlights the Heroic Role of Black Women in WWII

Kerry Washington’s portrayal of Maj. Charity Adams in the new Tyler Perry film Six Triple Eight brings attention to the crucial but largely forgotten contributions of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. This battalion, made up of 855 Black women, played an essential role in delivering mail to soldiers overseas, a task no one else could successfully accomplish at the time.

In an interview, Washington shared that the battalion’s triumph, achieved despite racial discrimination and the challenges of segregation, felt like an impossible task—yet they succeeded in restoring hope and morale to the soldiers, which helped them continue the fight. “As Black women do, they figured out how to fix a situation that seemed impossible to fix,” Washington said. “By doing so, they returned hope, purpose, and love to the soldiers.”

During the war, Black women like those in the 6888th were initially assigned menial tasks and segregated from their white counterparts. Their efforts, however, proved instrumental. At the time, mail was the primary means of communication with loved ones, and when soldiers weren’t receiving mail, it caused a loss of hope and purpose. Washington emphasized that the work of these women went unnoticed for decades, with even director Tyler Perry unaware of their contributions until producer Nicole Avant brought it to his attention.

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Perry, inspired by his meeting with Lena Derriecott Bell King, a member of the 6888th, decided to bring this untold story to life on screen. He also had the honor of screening the film for King before she passed away at 101 in January 2024.

Washington’s portrayal of Maj. Adams was deeply informed by the real-life figure’s memoir, One Woman’s Army, which the actress read several times to understand Adams’ soul and essence. Despite not meeting Adams, Washington surrounded herself with images and memorabilia of the leader to guide her performance.

Washington’s voice in the film, which reflects Adams’ South Carolina roots and her education at Wilberforce University, also became a focal point for audiences. She worked closely with an accent coach to capture the sharp Southern twang mixed with Midwestern precision that defined Adams’ speaking style, emphasizing the command and authority she needed to lead the battalion.

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The film, available on Netflix, celebrates the strength, resilience, and sisterhood of Black women during a pivotal moment in history. Washington and co-star Ebony Obsidian, who portrays 17-year-old Lena Derriecott, expressed their gratitude for being part of a film that honors unsung heroes. “We are telling a story that has been pushed into the margins about some true heroes, not just American heroes, but heroes of democracy all over the world,” Washington said.

The movie not only sheds light on the remarkable achievements of the 6888th but also serves as a vital corrective to history, showcasing the determination and excellence of Black women who overcame immense obstacles for the greater good.