Six Triple Eight was the nickname of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. Organized in part by Civil Rights pioneer Mary McLeod Bethune to put “black women in meaningful Army jobs” as a way to help with the war effort. Led by the few black women who had already enlisted in the WAC–Such as Alyce Dixon–the Six Triple Eight was tasked with organizing a long backlog of mail in besieged Britain. With the motto "No mail, low morale", More than 850 women moved through the warehouses of backlogged letters and packages in mere months before moving on to staffing and managing the postal service in both the UK and France.
Despite their efforts and massive impact on the war effort, the Six Triple Eight was unceremoniously disbanded in 1946 and received no recognition for their service. The SixTripleEight seeks to document this unique moment in history and help right the wrongs of Jim Crow American society during World War II.
The SixTripleEight is a great documentary in many aspects. Its focus on interviews with surviving members of the battalion is its greatest strength, and discussion about the complexities and incongruities of segregation being laid bare by unequal military integration drives the film most of the way through. There is a bit of an amateurish edge that makes this documentary feel older than it is, which some will find charming, but others will dislike.
The mixed footage that helps to lend this sensation, however, will make up for matters of taste for most viewers, as hearing from these women–some at multiple points in their life–is a valuable experience. The SixTripleEight will be a smash hit in Women’s and African American studies classrooms, and will do well in modern American history coursework as well. Academic collections should consider this documentary most highly. Highly Recommended.
How can The SixTripleEight be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Public libraries can integrate The SixTripleEight into their collection development by offering it as part of their documentary section focused on American history, military history, civil rights, and women’s studies. This documentary highlights the historical importance of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and its contributions during World War II, making it an excellent resource for patrons interested in the intersection of race, gender, and military service. Additionally, it would be a valuable addition for library collections that aim to showcase the contributions of African American and women’s history.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using The SixTripleEight?
The SixTripleEight would be especially beneficial for students in Women’s Studies, African American Studies, History, and Military Studies. Women’s Studies courses could use it to examine the role of women in wartime and the challenges they faced, while African American Studies students could explore the racial dynamics in military service and segregation. History and Military Studies students could examine the military context of World War II, the role of African American soldiers, and the often overlooked contributions of segregated units like the 6888th Battalion.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use The SixTripleEight in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs could use The SixTripleEight in educational initiatives to teach community members about the contributions of African American women during wartime and the broader civil rights movements. Screening the documentary could be part of a broader initiative to honor local veterans, especially during Black History Month or Women’s History Month, and could spark important discussions on race, gender, and military service. It could also be paired with activities like panel discussions, book clubs, or veteran outreach programs.
What are the Public Performance Rights (PPR) considerations for screening The SixTripleEight?
To publicly screen The SixTripleEight, organizations will need to secure Public Performance Rights (PPR). This applies if the screening occurs in any public or educational setting, such as libraries, schools, or community centers. Acquiring PPR ensures that the filmmakers and distributors are compensated for the public use of the documentary and makes the screening legally compliant.
How could The SixTripleEight enhance special events on college campuses?
The SixTripleEight could enhance special events on college campuses by being featured in history-focused events, Women’s History Month celebrations, or African American History Month programs. It could be shown as part of a series of discussions on race and gender in military history, providing a rich historical context for debates on civil rights and social change. Additionally, it could serve as a tool for promoting dialogue on inequality, diversity, and the unsung contributions of marginalized groups in the United States.
Why is The SixTripleEight a strong candidate for movie licensing?
The SixTripleEight is a strong candidate for movie licensing because it offers an important and underrepresented perspective on American history, specifically regarding the contributions of African American women during World War II. The documentary’s powerful interviews with surviving members of the battalion provide valuable educational content, making it an excellent fit for academic environments and public screenings. Its relevance to Women’s Studies, African American Studies, and American History makes it a strong contender for licensing to educational institutions, public libraries, and community organizations interested in providing access to important historical narratives.