SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the Six Triple Eight, is finally getting the recognition it deserves. These courageous women made history as the only all-Black Women's Army Corps unit stationed overseas during World War II, and their incredible contributions are now being highlighted by the new Netflix film, 'The Six Triple Eight.'
Dr. Karen T. Jordan, daughter of Annie B. Knight, one of the original members of the battalion, recounts the bravery and determination of these women. "They were all courageous women; they were all adventurous. They were women, young black women going to the military and out of the country in the 40s, who would have imagined?" Dr. Jordan passionately expressed during her interview with WTOC.
Their mission was monumental: to sort through more than 17 million undelivered pieces of mail intended for U.S. soldiers stationed throughout Europe. With about 885 women working diligently, they tackled the mail backlog and achieved their goal within just three months—a feat they should be proud of. Dr. Jordan emphasized the significance of their work, stating, "When people say well all they did was process the mail, no. The mail was extremely important. It was a major problem; it was a crisis for the military at the time. What are we going to do about it?"
The film not only showcases the battalion’s accomplishments but also serves as a reminder of the obstacles these women faced during their service, including discrimination. Jordan recalls her mother's stories, both humorous and sobering, highlighting their dual struggle for military morale and equality. "The whole thing about when you make up a bed the army way, you’re supposed to be able to bounce a quarter off of the bed..."
Dr. Jordan shares tales of her mother's life after military service. Following her work with the Six Triple Eight, Knight moved to Savannah, where she became deeply involved as a civil activist. "She lived here for 61 years until he passed," Jordan said. "She was very active in Savannah. She and my father were very active with the NAACP."
This pride extends to her mother's legacy as well. Dr. Jordan describes her mother not just as a soldier but as an educator and advocate for Black military women, also recalling her involvement with civil rights movements and community organizations like Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. "She created a legacy the children would be proud of," Jordan remarked.
Along with other descendants of the Six Triple Eight, Dr. Jordan speaks passionately about the importance of preserving this legacy. "We felt like this is our legacy, but this is also an important legacy for Black women, for military women, for women in general," she stated. The Six Triple Eight’s story is one of hidden figures who persevered throughout adversities, and Jordan feels it is her duty to honor her mother’s memory and the battalion's triumphs.
Reflecting on the film and the newfound attention surrounding these women, Dr. Jordan believes her mother would be elated. "She would just be ecstatic, she would be calling me telling me all the time and she’d want to make sure I got her to every event," she said. This connection is powerful, as it allows the descendants to share their stories, deepening the impact of the Six Triple Eight’s legacy.
Dr. Jordan has dedicated herself to keeping her mother’s story alive alongside her fellow 'Six Triple Eight siblings.' Sharing laughter and remembrance, they work together to highlight the collective identity stemming from their mothers' service. "It’s hidden figures story hasn’t been told and so most of us go around and talk about our mothers," she concluded.
Through education and dialogue, they hope to broaden the narrative of Black women's contributions during World War II, spotlighting their commitment and resilience. With the film paving the way for discussions about these heroes, Dr. Jordan's mission to uphold their legacy remains steadfast. The battalion's efforts during such trying times created ripples—ripples of unity, courage, and determination—that continue to resonate through generations.
