Kerry Washington and Oprah Winfrey have signed on to star in Tyler Perry‘s upcoming World War II drama Six Triple Eight, which he is making for Netflix. The film tells the inspiring true story of the only all-Black, all-female World War II battalion. Perry has also penned the screenplay.
The story is based on an article by Kevin M. Hymel that was published in WWII History Magazine, about the 6888th Postal Directory Battalion, made up of 855 Black women. When these women joined the war effort, they were given the herculean task of sorting through and delivering the three-year backlog of undelivered mail.
For nearly 75 years, their story has been kept out of history books and away from the national spotlight. But, last March, President Biden signed the bill for the women to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress’ highest honor.
The film’s synopsis reads:
“Facing discrimination, unfamiliar land, and a war-torn country, they persevered and sorted over 17 million pieces of mail, reconnecting American soldiers with their families and loved ones back home. The motto that kept them going each day was one they created themselves: ‘No Mail, Low Morale.’ The women of the 6888 weren’t just delivering mail, they were delivering hope.”
Six Triple Eight will be Perry’s fourth film for Netflix after A Fall From Grace, A Madea Homecoming, and A Jazzman’s Blues. He will also produce the project, as will Washington. Production will reportedly begin this week.
#Peace.Love.SixTripleEight
