Speaker Series: The Six Triple Eight: All-Black, All-Female Battalion That Defied the Odds

Join us at the American Heritage Museum on Friday, February 28th, 1:00pm to 2:30pm for an engaging talk by Melodye Whatley on the Six Triple Eight.

During World War II, a groundbreaking unit of African American women in the U.S. Army made history while overcoming racism, sexism, and the challenges of war. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the Six Triple Eight, was the only all-Black, all-female unit to be deployed overseas during WWII. Their mission was both crucial and daunting: to clear a massive backlog of undelivered mail that had piled up in Europe, delaying vital communication between soldiers and their loved ones.

As the war raged on, the U.S. military faced an overwhelming accumulation of undelivered mail—some estimates put it at over 17 million pieces. Recognizing the importance of morale and communication, the military turned to the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) to tackle the crisis. Under the leadership of Major Charity Adams, the first Black woman commissioned as an officer in the WAC, the Six Triple Eight was formed.

The Six Triple Eight’s story is one of perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers. Their dedication not only ensured that millions of soldiers received messages from home but also paved the way for future generations of women in the military.