“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” -Marcus Garvey. Tyler Perry’s new movie, The 6888, will premiere on Netflix on December 20th, 2024. The movie tells the incredible but mostly unknown story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a majority Black, all female unit stationed overseas during World War II. 855 women were responsible for clearing a huge backlog of mail for U.S. soldiers. Despite their historic contributions, their story has remained untold for decades.
Today, discussions about removing Black history from schools are becoming more common. Earlier this year President Trump told Fox News that he would defund schools that teach students U.S. History that include slavery and racism.
The 6888 is a reminder of why preserving these stories are essential. Movies like this not only honor the scarifies and achievements of Black people but also show the dangers of erasing Black history. If there are not intentional efforts to teach and share these stories, the history and legacy is at risk of being forgotten.
“No mail, low morale” was the motto the 6888th Battalion. This motto emphasizes how the soldiers’ well-being and motivation were tied to them receiving mail from home. If soldiers did not receive mail, their spirits and motivation would suffer, causing lower morale. Their mission required them to clear a three-year mail backlog in extreme conditions while doing this they overcame racism and sexism during their time there.
Tyler Perry’s decision to bring this story to the screen is an example of how filmmakers and artist can influence the public. The making of this movie serves as an important reminder that when history is excluded from schools and textbooks, entertainment and media can act as platforms for education. Everyone is responsible and has a role in keeping Black history alive. Have you done your part?
