“A lot of people do not want us to succeed. We have the most to prove.”- Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams. Netflix debuted The Six Triple Eight on December 20th, which was created and produced by Tyler Perry. The cast includes talented actors such as Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Shanice Shantay, Gregg Sulkin, Susan Sarandon, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston, and Oprah Winfrey. Similar to his other projects, The Six Triple Eight highlights Black characters who possess a strong sense of ethics.

I was drawn to this movie because it tells a true story about Black women who served in the Army during WWII. I had no prior knowledge about these women and was interested to learn about the challenging journey they went through. I constantly look for stories that showcase the achievements of women who defy societal norms that undermine their capabilities. Through this film, Perry delves into the experience of being a woman, particularly a Black woman during the 1940s, who faces racial and gender biases that question her worth and place in society.

During World War II, the 6888th Central Postal Directory was the only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve in Europe. In February 1945, the 855 women of the 6888th were given a daunting task – to sort and deliver 17 million pieces of mail within six months, many of which had incorrect or incomplete addresses. The pressure was high as families back home had not heard from their loved ones in months. In order to complete the task, the women of the 6888th worked tirelessly in three eight-hour shifts.

They encountered overwhelming challenges. Even though their duties were crucial, the battalion was housed separately and given substandard accommodations that were frequently without adequate lighting and heating. However, they persevered with determination and cleverness, establishing their own communal spaces such as a dining hall, beauty salon, and bar. In just 3 months, they successfully completed their task — in only half of the allotted time.

The narrative of the 6888th battalion was presented in a sincere and heartfelt manner. Based on my research, Perry remained faithful to the true events, making only slight modifications for dramatic effect. The film authentically captures the societal atmosphere of the 1940s, predating the civil rights movement that commenced in 1954. Every aspect, from the scenes to the costumes, was meticulously thought out to transport viewers back in time. Kerry Washington was a standout choice for the role of Major Charity Adams, conveying her determination convincingly. Ebony Obsidian skillfully portrayed Lena Derricott, effectively portraying the emotional turmoil she experienced during her military service.

In conclusion, I found this movie to be enjoyable. The prevalence of romance in the film caught me off guard, as I had anticipated a stronger feminist perspective. Nonetheless, the narrative is an important one that deserves to be shared. The film concludes with real footage of the 6888th battalion and a short interview with Lena Derricott Bell King, conducted shortly before her passing in January 2024. It is valuable to reflect on history and I believe this movie can offer inspiration to individuals still facing challenges. Explore further details of the true account here.