A new Tyler Perry film tells the untold stories of The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve in Europe during World War II.
The movie, “Six Triple Eight,” features A-list actresses like Kerry Washington who plays the leading role of Major Charity Adams and Oprah Winfrey who plays the role of famed civil rights leader, Mary McLeod Bethune. The film follows the battalion’s deployment in February 1945, when 855 women were tasked with clearing a staggering backlog of 17 million pieces of mail, many with incomplete or incorrect addresses, within just six months.
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Despite skepticism from higher-ranking officials, the women persevered and successfully sorted through the mountain of mail in just 90 days, delivering hope to soldiers on the front lines and playing a pivotal role in boosting morale during the war’s final months.
Rivet caught up with 28-year-old Canadian actress Sarah Jeffery who plays Dolores Washington, a young member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
“When we first meet [Dolores] in the film, there’s a white soldier who mistakes her for white and tells her to come with him to the segregated area. She immediately asserts herself, saying, ‘I am a Negro. I’m staying put.’ That was an amazing moment—not just for the character, but for me as a person,” Jeffery told Rivet during an interview. “Playing Dolores felt like this climactic moment, permitting me to fully embrace my heritage and my Blackness. It’s a part of who I am, and this role allowed me to own it unapologetically.”
While Jeffery noted that society has been late to recognize the women’s impact, she’s “beyond happy” to be part of a film that’s giving them their credit and shedding light on topics like misogyny and racism in the U.S.
“For me, this film—though long overdue—finally gives these ladies their flowers and educates people about an important piece of history,” Jeffery said. “There’s no time like the present to tell this story. While things have improved in some ways over time for marginalized groups, especially Black women, we still have a long way to go. That said, I hope people take away from this film the immense contribution of Black women to this country. They carry this country on their backs, even when they shouldn’t have to. It’s vital that people—of all backgrounds—recognize and appreciate that.”
In addition to portraying Dolores, the “Descendants” and “Charmed” actress described working with “industry titans” on set as one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience, calling it a true “pinch me” moment.
“I knew we’d be in really good hands with Tyler Perry as the producer. I mean, he is where he is in the industry because of his talent, wisdom, intelligence, compassion and his ability to create opportunities for the Black community in film and television,” Jeffrey said. “I’ve also long been a fan of Kerry Washington, so getting to interact with her on-screen and [get to] know her as a person was really special.”
“Six Triple Eight” is in select theaters. It will be available on Netflix on Dec. 20.
