In February 1945, the U.S. Army sent 855 black women from the Women’s Army Corps “WACs” to England and France to clear the backlog of mail in the European Theater of Operations. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the SixTripleEight, was the only all-black female battalion to serve in Europe during WWII.
Confronted with racism and sexism from their own leadership and troops, they served with honor and distinction completing their mission in six months. By war’s end, the SixTripleEight had cleared over 17 million pieces of backlogged mail ensuring the troops stayed in touch with their loved ones back home. The last of the women returned home in March 1946.
They were never fully recognized until now.
Join us as we honor former Dayton Ohio community leader Charity Adams and the women of The SixTripleEight with screening of the documentary created by Lincoln Penny Films.
LTC Charity Adams
The Six Triple Eight, a World War II film, shares the relatively-unknown story of the 6888, the Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-black female battalion to serve in Europe during the war. Their mission: to clear the backlog of mail in Birmingham, England and Rouen, France. By war’s end the women, the unit had cleared over 17 million pieces of mail. The film was nominated for Best Documentary at the Charlotte Black Film Festival in April 2019. May 13-17, 2019, James and two producers of the film, traveled to England, courtesy of the US Embassy to screen the film at universities and venues throughout the UK. Dubbed the Six Triple Eight UK Tour, the film was well-received in England and Scotland.
By the end of WWII, LTC Charity Adams was the highest ranking African American female in the Armed Forces.
Free screening of this film will be shown:
Fri, Nov 4th 2pm
Wilberforce University Screening,
Sat, Nov 5th 3:00pm
Sinclair College Screening
Attendance is free, but reservations are requested.
This screening is made possible by Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission, The Dayton Woman’s Club, The Dayton Foundation and Tim & Mary Riordan.
