‘The Six Triple Eight’ Is A Much-Needed Celebration Of Black Woman Patriotism

By Kathia Woods | Special To The OBSERVERTyler Perry’s portrayal of Black women has often been criticized. However, with his film “The Six Triple Eight,” he focuses on a group of overlooked women who played a crucial role in World War II. The film tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-female unit. Perry’s film sheds light on an important and underappreciated story at a time when Black history is experiencing marginalization.The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, under the leadership of Major Charity Adams (played by Kerry Washington), faced discrimination from their fellow Americans and the threat of a German attack. These women of the Women’s Army Corps were tasked with sorting a backlog of mail between American soldiers in Europe and their loved ones back home.Black women, who endured harrowing working conditions, were instrumental in enabling white troops to effectively communicate with their families and vice versa. The film masterfully shows how these women helped raise the morale of the troops. Once again, a film illuminates a crucial aspect of American history that had languished for too long.& This is Perry’s best film, and the cast that helped bring these unknown heroines to light...