Six Triple Eight: The Story of the 6888 Female Battalion.
Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry have teamed up to create a new film that tells the story of the 6888th Female Battalion, Six Triple Eight. It has been nearly 80 years since the end of World War II, yet human stories continue to surface. The battalion was sent by the U.S. Army to England and France to sort out mail accumulated in the European theater of operations.
Comprised entirely of black women, the battalion faced racism and sexism from their leadership and colleagues. Despite this, they completed their mission with honor and distinction. Their work spanned six months and ensured soldiers could keep in touch with their loved ones back home. However, these women have yet to receive adequate recognition and appreciation.
Tyler based his findings on an article by Kevin M. Himmel published in Sovereign, a magazine specializing in the history of World War II. This inspiring story reveals women who not only carried out their mission but accomplished it in half the time allotted, demonstrating patience and perseverance.
The film takes place during the peak of World War II, around 1943, when the war's intensity changed priorities and frontline soldiers were left without contact with their families. The battalion consisted of five companies and over 800 female soldiers, tasked with sorting 17 million letters in six months. Remarkably, they completed this task in just three months.
The film's plot showcases the incredible determination and courage of these women during a time of great adversity. Viewers will witness the challenges and obstacles the battalion faced while sorting through the overwhelming amount of mail, all while dealing with the discrimination they encountered.
Through Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry's creative vision, this story will come to life and shine a light on the inspiring efforts of these women. Their contributions to the war effort were vital, and the film seeks to honor their legacy and bravery.
The Six Triple Eight film promises to be a powerful and moving portrayal of the 6888th Female Battalion's journey. As their story is finally given the recognition it deserves, we can celebrate the incredible women who selflessly served their country, overcame prejudice and adversity, and changed history in the process.
Late Honors.
Michael Casey wrote an article for The Associated Press stating that six women from the original battalion are still alive, which was disbanded in 1946 with little recognition. Eventually, the battalion received the Congressional Gold Medal along with a memorial and a documentary about it.
The memorial, located in the Buffalo Soldier Military Park in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is accompanied by other monuments honoring African-American units and personnel.
After the battalion received the congressional medal, Fannie Griffin Mcclendon, who served as a major in the battalion and is now 101 years old, said, "It's something I never thought about."
The battalion, commanded by Major Charity Adams, trained in Georgia before sailing for Europe in February 1945. The women escaped from German submarines as their ship crossed the Atlantic. Upon arrival in Glasgow, Scotland, they narrowly avoided a Nazi missile attack. They then moved to Birmingham, England, where they worked in cold, poorly-lit warehouses that were stacked up to the ceiling with letters and parcels.
Retired Colonel Edna Cummings, who was not part of the battalion but advocated for its recognition, told The Associated Press, "The leadership knew that the battalion's presence was more than just a clearance of backlog mail. It was an opportunity to confront racism, gender discrimination, and discrimination within the United States Army." Military installations were segregated by race and gender, but the battalion was self-sufficient, with its own paramedics, dining hall, military police, transportation, and support services.
Unsung Heroes: The Women of the Original Battalion" and "An Old Friendship Renewed: Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry Collaborate Again.
Although Oprah Winfrey's role has not been announced, it will be her first lead role since starring in A Wrinkle In Time in 2018.The film includes several prominent names, including Kerry Washington, who is also the film's executive producer, and young stars Ebony Obsidian, Milana Jackson, and Kylie Jefferson.
The film, which will be released on Netflix, is reminiscent of the old friendship between Oprah and director Tyler Perry. This professional and personal relationship holds an important history for each of them, so the film is expected to reinforce their friendship and working relationship.
The collaboration between Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry has resulted in many successful projects, including the OWN network and several hit films. Their friendship has been well-documented, and their fans are eagerly anticipating their latest collaboration.
The upcoming Netflix film is still shrouded in mystery, and little is known about its plot or characters. However, the involvement of Oprah Winfrey and Kerry Washington, two powerhouse women in the entertainment industry, has generated a lot of buzz.
Fans of Oprah Winfrey are excited to see her return to the big screen in a leading role, and the addition of talented actresses like Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milana Jackson, and Kylie Jefferson only adds to the anticipation.
Overall, the film promises to be an important moment for representation and diversity in Hollywood, and a celebration of the enduring friendship between two icons of the entertainment industry.
