Dec. 20, 2024, 4:00 PM GMT+6
The task seemed insurmountable: Clear 17 million pieces of backlogged mail in the midst of a war.
For Maj. Charity Adams, this was a mission that could not fail. It wasn’t just about boosting the morale of World War II troops, but also about proving the worth of Black people in the eyes of the military leadership. The true story of the 855 women of the Women’s Army Corps 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, who undertook this mission, is brought to life in Tyler Perry’s latest film, Six Triple Eight, now streaming on Netflix.
“These women were asked to solve a problem that had stumped many before them,” Washington said in an interview with NBC News. “And they did what Black women often do—they figured out how to resolve a situation that seemed impossible. In doing so, they restored hope, purpose, belonging, and love to the soldiers, helping to end the war.”
Mary McLeod Bethune, head of the National Council of Negro Women and a member of President Franklin Roosevelt’s “Negro Cabinet,” played a key role in advocating for Black women to serve in the military. However, even though Black women were enlisted, they were segregated and given little responsibility. Many doubted their ability to clear the massive mail backlog due to prevailing racist attitudes.
“At that time, mail was the only connection soldiers had to their loved ones,” Washington explained. “There was no texting, no email, no FaceTime, no landlines. Without mail, soldiers lost their hope and sense of purpose.”
The work of the 6888th had largely been forgotten—Tyler Perry himself only learned about it when producer Nicole Avant approached him about making a film. During a Q&A in Atlanta, Perry shared how meeting Lena Derriecott Bell King, a member of the 6888th who was 99 at the time, inspired him to bring this story to the screen. Perry was also fortunate enough to screen an early version of the film for King before her passing in January, just days shy of her 101st birthday.
Perry cast Ebony Obsidian, from his series Sistas, to portray the young Lena Derriecott. Obsidian was surprised when Perry asked her to read for the role, unaware it was based on a true story or that she would be chosen for the part.
“I never imagined I’d play Lena when I first read the script,” she said, sitting alongside Washington. Obsidian, whose previous work includes If Beale Street Could Talk and Wu-Tang: An American Saga, admitted she was initially daunted by the challenge of portraying such a pivotal figure but ultimately felt honored to take on the role. Her mother’s encouragement, along with a reminder of her childhood nickname, “Little Soldier,” helped convince her to accept the challenge.
“Meeting Lena was the greatest gift,” Obsidian reflected. “She was 100 when I met her, but I believe there were certain qualities in her, especially at 17, that remained constant—qualities that were truly noble.”
Although Washington never met Maj. Adams, who passed away in 2002, she felt a deep connection to her through Adams’ memoir, One Woman’s Army. “I read it multiple times and surrounded myself with her pictures,” Washington shared. “I tried to immerse myself in her essence.” She was even moved when, after rehearsing a monologue, she discovered Adams’ actual trunk from World War II—containing her clothes and handwritten notes—outside her dressing room. “It felt like her approval,” Washington said.
Washington’s portrayal of Adams’ distinctive voice has garnered significant attention, even from her own children, who remarked on its unique quality after hearing the trailer. To capture Adams’ sharp Southern twang mixed with precise Midwestern enunciation, Washington worked closely with both an accent coach and an acting coach.
“They didn’t have microphones back then,” Washington explained. “If I had the responsibility and command that Maj. Adams had, where would that live in my body? How would it affect my posture and voice? Those were the questions I asked to understand where her vocal performance came from.”
Both Washington and Obsidian expressed their gratitude for being part of a film that celebrates Black women’s strength, excellence, and unity. Obsidian emphasized the film’s message: “With the right support and the right people by your side, you can overcome anything.”
Washington echoed that sentiment, calling it “corrective history.” “We’re telling a story that’s been pushed to the margins, about real heroes—heroes not only of America, but of democracy around the world.”
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