The Six Triple Eight

A panel discussion will follow the film presented by Fit, Black, and Educated, Inc.

Presented by Fit, Black, and Educated, Inc., Salute to Souldiers is a month-long celebration, honoring veterans of color. The contributions of veterans of color are often overlooked and underappreciated, it is time for our heroes to receive the recognition they deserve. Our mission is to educate communities about the contributions of veterans of color, while supporting our veterans coping with the mental, physical, financial, and spiritual effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Synopsis

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.

Production

NR | 72 min. | Directed by James William Theres | Lincoln Penny Films | 2019

Picture This features free film screenings every Monday at 6:30 pm in the Central Library's Neil Morgan Auditorium. Check back here, on the library calendar, for the most up-to-date lineup of films.