Film: The Six Triple Eight

They did not send us because they thought we could do it.

We are here because they are sure we cannot.

100% of the time, it’s worth making a film when there’s an important true story to share.The 6888th Battalion, the largest all-Black, female battalion, was led by Major Charity E. Adams-Earley, who was the highest-ranking Black woman officer during World War II.

When everyone else had either failed or didn’t care, they were tasked with delivering millions of letters to soldiers and they developed the mantra ‘no mail, low morale’. Comprising 850 members, the battalion established systems to trace recipients when addresses were unclear or had faded in the time it’s taken for anyone to care about front-line morale. Inevitably, they faced racism and sexism but also, when it looked like they were making progress deliberate obstacles from the highest-ranking officers - those that had the President’s ear. Luckily President Roosevelt listened to his wife, Eleanor who took much interest in their mission, aided by civil rights leader, Dr Mary McLeod Bethune, (played by Oprah Winfrey).

Inevitably the film is criticised for being ‘syrupy’ but I for one am always happy to see films covering racism without a side of violence. That’s because I’m very familiar with that perspective.

My only disappointment is that since seeing this, I’ve learned this all took place in Birmingham, where I live. And not only did the film not mention this, I haven’t seen the city talk about it either.

7/10 (Netflix)