The Six Triple Eight: A Recap

On our March 4 Mindful Discussion, presenter Sabrina Boykin explored the history of the Six Triple Eight and the impact of Tyler Perry's historical drama film.

During Women's History Month, we honor the sacrifices that women have made for modern society to be where it is today. This March, we discussed the legendary contributions of the Six Triple Eight.

The 6888th Central Postal Battalion, nicknamed the “Six Triple Eight,” was the only all African American battalion in the Women's Army Corps and the only all African American, all women battalion sent overseas during World War II. Their legacy in American history remains powerful as hundreds of thousands of women (and women of color) serve in U.S. armed forces today.

As soldiers served during World War II, their mail continued piling up. These soldiers, who constantly changed duty stations and responsibilities, faced logistical challenges that prohibited them from receiving their mail on time. A group of 855 women decided to help assuage the postal backlog that had plagued soldiers for the past two years in England --- they would later be recognized as the Six Triple Eight.  

Tyler Perry's Six Triple Eight movie poster. (Source: Netflix)

The 6888th Battalion on duty, circa 1945. (Source: The National WWII Museum, New Orleans)

During the discussion, we highlighted Mary McLeod Bethune, who received the honorary title of General of the Women’s Army for National Defense (WAND) and served as an advisor to the new Women’s Army Corps (WAC). Not only did she receive these prestigious accolades, but she also successfully lobbied President Roosevelt to end segregation in veteran rehabilitation centers.

Mary McLeod Bethune's portrait. (Source: Scurlock Studio Records Archives Center, Smithsonian Institution)

What made the Six Triple Eight stand out is the fact that they were a self-sufficient battalion; they had their own medics, military police, dining hall, transportation services, and more. In times of heavy racial prejudice, Black women had to depend on themselves to create their support systems.

The story and struggles of the Six Triple Eight are things that everyone can learn from; standing strong in the face of adversity and fighting for the rights of all Americans to participate in impactful work are just two of the many positive examples that the battalion set for future generations.

Considering that the 6888th Battalion received little recognition when they returned home from overseas, Mindful Discussions elects to do justice to their hard work. We express immense gratitude for the sacrifices they made, and acknowledge that their work was not easy. Sorting backlogged mail from World War II, the biggest and deadliest conflict in world history, was a daunting task for these women. Yet, they persevered.

As we celebrate Women's History Month and reflect on female history, let the Six Triple Eight be a reminder that anything is possible. This battalion is proof that women can, will, and always have.

Always Be Mindful of your impact, Purposeful in what you do, and Positive in what you say.

Best,

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