By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
The women of the 6888th Postal Directory Battalion are subjects of a play currently being developed for Broadway. In this photo, provided by the U.S. Army Women’s Museum, members of the 6888th battalion stand in formation in Birmingham, England, in 1945. On Feb. 28, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to award the only all-female, Black unit to serve in Europe during World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal. Credit: U.S. Army Women’s Museum via AP
Audiences are awaiting Tyler Perry’s new movie, “Six Triple Eight,” featuring Kerry Washington, but the Netflix movie isn’t the only thing in the works to remember the courageous Black women of WWII. The women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion will also be the subjects of a play coming to Broadway.
Recently, the AFRO had the opportunity to sit down with part of the creative team producing “Six-Triple-Eight, A New Musical.”
At the helm of this groundbreaking musical co-created by Holly Garman and Joe Trentacosta, is a team of visionary talents. The script is written by Morgan J. Smart, with music and lyrics by Ronvé O’Daniel and Jevares C. Myrick. “Six-Triple-Eight” promises to be a captivating fusion of storytelling and music. Ret. US Army Col. Edna Cummings, who was named AFRO person of the Year in January, serves as historian for the production, providing invaluable insights. The musical is executive produced by Blair Underwood, the internationally known stage and film star.
Morgan J. Smart is the enthusiastic researcher and writer behind “Six-Triple-Eight: A New Musical.” Photo courtesy of 6888musical.com
In a recent interview, Smart shared her journey in bringing this remarkable story to life. Reflecting on her initial encounter with the tale of the 6888th Battalion, Smart expressed her immediate fascination and the profound impact it had on her. She delved deep into research, drawing inspiration from the stories of these trailblazing women and their quest for freedom amidst the constraints of Jim Crow America.
“I actually did not know a thing about this unit these Black women being a part of World War II at all. When I was approached by the producers, Holly and Joe, I was immediately interested,” said Smart. “I immediately jumped into research and wanted to know more about them.”
As she delved deeper into the history of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, Smart was struck by the profound significance of their experience and “the fact that these women were able to experience a freedom that they’d never gotten before in Jim Crow America.”
She highlighted their unprecedented opportunity to work in military positions, receive badges of honor and be celebrated by a whole different country. This newfound sense of freedom allowed them to explore, travel and contribute to the war effort in ways that were previously unimaginable.
The process of adapting such a rich historical narrative into a musical presented both challenges and opportunities for Smart and her team.
“I had to sift through the parts of the history that were found to be particularly important and extremely interesting,” Smart told the AFRO.
With a wealth of research at their disposal, they navigated the delicate balance of honoring the truth while crafting an engaging and entertaining narrative. Through meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to authenticity, they endeavored to shine a light on the multifaceted experiences of Black women during wartime.
Central to the heart of “Six-Triple-Eight” is the celebration of Black womanhood in all its complexity. Smart aims to challenge stereotypes and showcase the myriad dimensions of strength, resilience, and joy embodied by the women of the 6888th. Through their journey, audiences will witness a powerful affirmation of identity and a testament to the enduring spirit of sisterhood.
“It’s a story about Black women who contributed to the war effort. I think that’s just a huge push in the right direction and having them be honored and known for that achievement,” said Smart. “We’ve been working as closely as possible with some of the families of surviving members to make the story as true as possible, and to get it to audiences in a way that they’re able to really absorb .”
As anticipation builds for the premiere of “Six-Triple-Eight: A New Musical,” audiences can expect to be transported on a journey of discovery and inspiration. With its infectious melodies, compelling storytelling, and powerful themes of courage and resilience, this musical promises to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who experience it.
In honoring the legacy of the 6888th Battalion, “Six-Triple-Eight: A New Musical” not only pays tribute to the past but also serves as a beacon of hope for the future. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit remains unbreakable, and the voices of those who have been silenced will always find a way to be heard.
