NetflixThey were given a task at which others had failed – and they were given this task because they were not expected to succeed.
The fascinating story of the 855 black women who came to Birmingham from America to solve a two-year postal backlog during World War II – handling 17 million letters that would otherwise have disappeared – has been made into a film.
“Women, we are mandated to provide hope and communication and care packages to our weary soldiers on the front line, and to let their families know if they are safe,” says Maj. Charity Adams when She is addressing her female soldiers. Six triple eights.
“Or … or if they died in battle.”
Major Adams, who leads the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, is played by actress Kerry Washington.
“Everyone thought it was impossible, what they were up against,” he told the BBC.
“And I think that’s why the film resonates with people.
“Not just, you know, these particular black women and in that time and place, but everybody who’s ever guessed, or doubted, or been pushed aside or marginalized.”
NetflixCritically acclaimed director and writer Tyler Perry created this film for Netflix, bringing the achievements of women to a global audience.
“They were tasked with delivering 17 million miles of pieces that had just been put into the hangar, which were moldy and many of the names on the letters were unacceptable,” he said.
Viewers are left in no doubt about the challenge women face and the fact that others have failed the same mission.
US National ArchivesMajor Adams declared in the film: “They’ve only given us a ticking clock of six months and I thought that was a long time until I realized the gravity of the situation.
“When there is no mail, morale is low.”
They were the first and only women’s Army Corps unit to be deployed in Europe during World War II.
The battalion consisted mostly of black women, but there were also women of Caribbean and Mexican descent.
US Army“That’s the great line that Tyler wrote in the movie for Charity Adams where she says, ‘We’re fighting on every front,'” Washington said.
“Because it felt like, yes they were dealing with World War II but they were also dealing with racism and misogyny.
“And even when he came back home, people were treating him with prejudice because he had gone into the army and people couldn’t believe that he had achieved this incredible goal, that So it was rumored that they were sent there only as concubines for the black soldiers.
“That’s why so many women have never talked about their legacy, never shared this heroic moment in history with anyone.”
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She spoke to the BBC when she was 98 in 2018.
“I picked up a package while separating the mail,” he said.
“Everything fell to the floor and I picked up the watch, I looked at the back of it, it had a man’s name on it, his number and everything and it made me feel so good because I could put it forward. was “
Families from the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion visited King Edward’s School last year, retracing their steps.
One of her children, Janice Martin, said at the time: “All I knew was that she was in the army.
“He served, he said we had a job to do and we came home and nobody said anything more after that for the last few years.”
NetflixThe women cleared the backlog in three months – half the time they were given.
Charity Adams was the first black woman to command an overseas battalion in the US Army.
Washington said he was full of praise for his role.
“People talk about loving her, respecting her because even though she was tough and tough and tough, they knew she wanted the best for them and she loved them.”
“And I think that’s a unique leadership quality, the kind of leader who brings out the best in you because they believe in the best in you.”
The movie 6888 is releasing on Netflix on Friday, December 20.