The Heartfelt Story Behind “The Six Triple Eight” Unfolds
Chattanooga has become the backdrop for a remarkable tale recently, with Tyler Perry diving into historical drama for the first time in his latest film, The Six Triple Eight. This uplifting and moving story is based on the true events surrounding the only Black female battalion during World War II, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. It’s not just a movie, but a celebration of courage, resilience, and sisterhood. Now rolling into limited theaters and landing on Netflix this Friday, audiences are in for a treat!
Kerry Washington Shines as Commander Charity Adams
In The Six Triple Eight, Kerry Washington takes on the role of Charity Adams, the fearless commander of the 6888th battalion. This battalion of 855 women was tasked with clearing up a postal chaos that had left soldiers in Europe disconnected from their families. Imagine the anticipation of receiving letters from home—thanks to these heroic women, they released countless letters that could lift morale during some tough times. Amazingly, they cleared a backlog of 7 million pieces of mail in just three months!
Returning to 1944: The Scenic Adventure of Filmmaking
The production took to Chattanooga, where some scenes were filmed at the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo and the nearby Nic & Norman’s restaurant. In a delightful twist, the team transformed the Choo Choo dome lobby into a 1940s Birmingham train station. Can you imagine seeing dozens of young Black women dressed as soldiers parading through? It was a day to remember! Local business owner Bill Lee shared the excitement as they reimagined the iconic location.
The Journey to Storytelling
What makes the film even more special is Perry’s personal connection to the story. He visited the late Lena Derriecott King to hear her memories firsthand before writing the screenplay. King, who turned 100 years old while chatting with him, expressed her pride that their story was finally being told. You have to admire the dedication of Perry and his team to ensure that her legacy was honored.
Crafting an Unforgettable Character
Preparing for the role, Washington dug deep into her character’s history, reading Adams’ memoir and reflecting on the lives of those who lived through such challenges. One remarkable moment during filming was when they discovered an old trunk belonging to Adams! Can you believe it? The universe really gave them signs that the spirits of these resilient women were guiding their journey in bringing this story to life.
A Historic Setting for a Meaningful Film
Interestingly, Tyler Perry Studios, where a lot of the magic happened, carries a rich and complicated history. Built on what used to be a Confederate army base, it now serves as a hub for uplifting the stories of people from diverse backgrounds. Washington captured the sentiment perfectly, stating, “There is irony and poetry in the fact that this space was once occupied by a Confederate army trying to maintain the system of slavery as opposed to what it’s being used for now.”
The Unforgettable Legacy of the 6888th Battalion
The 6888th battalion faced unimaginable obstacles, including skepticism from the predominantly white male military leadership. Despite the odds stacked against them, these women showed they were “twice as good with half as much”—a phrase Washington repeated during discussions, emphasizing their brilliance.
Get Ready to Be Inspired!
With all the heart, history, and heroism packed into The Six Triple Eight, viewers are not only in for an eye-opening experience but also a celebration of a story that has long been overshadowed. So, grab your popcorn and prepare for a cinematic journey filled with pride, emotion, and a hefty dose of inspiration!
