HBCU Alumna Celebrated in ‘Six Triple Eight’—Tyler Perry’s Ode to the 6888th Battalion

The year is almost over, but there are still a few things to look forward to, especially with the holidays upon us. This year, Six Triple Eight—Tyler Perry’s upcoming film—celebrates the legacy of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. It’s a triumph that deserves to be in the spotlight, especially as we reflect on how HBCU alumna like Lillian Duncan played such an essential role in this remarkable story. Let’s take a deep dive into the history of Talladega College, Lillian Duncan’s legacy, and why her story is one we should all be celebrating this holiday season.

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The Legacy of Lillian Duncan and Talladega College

When you think of Talladega College, you may not immediately connect it to military history. But it’s time we change that perception, because Talladega played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of heroes like 1st Lt. Lillian W. Duncan, a soldier who served in the 6888th Battalion during World War II. Born in Alabama, Duncan graduated from Talladega College in 1937, where she earned a degree in English and Social Studies. Talladega College, founded in 1867, has been home to countless students who have gone on to contribute in significant ways across a variety of fields, from education to civil rights. Lillian Duncan’s story adds to that rich history of excellence and service.

As a member of the 6888th, Duncan played an essential role in one of the most important, yet lesser-known, military operations of World War II. The 6888th was tasked with clearing a backlog of 17 million pieces of mail (yes, you read that right) that had accumulated for soldiers stationed abroad. Without communication with their loved ones, many soldiers were suffering from low morale. Enter the 6888th, whose motto was, “No mail, low morale.” Duncan, alongside her fellow battalion members, helped ensure that those soldiers received the emotional lifeline they so desperately needed, and they did so under extreme pressure and often difficult, segregated conditions.

Duncan's leadership, especially in her role as an officer, allowed the battalion to clear that staggering backlog of mail in less than three months—half the time allotted for the task. This feat was extraordinary not only for the speed and efficiency with which it was completed but also because it was done by Black women in a time when their contributions were so often overlooked.

Six Triple Eight—The Film

Tyler Perry’s Six Triple Eight brings this untold story to the silver screen, and it’s one of those historical narratives that truly demands to be told. The film stars Kerry Washington (Scandal, Little Fires Everywhere) as Captain Charity Adams, the leader of the battalion, who was also instrumental in the success of the 6888th. Washington’s casting as Adams is particularly meaningful, as she has long championed stories about Black and producers knew they wanted her from the start. In an interview, 6888 producer Nicole Avant said, “I remember calling Tyler, and I said, ‘This is Kerry Washington’s role, period. It has to be Kerry Washington.”

As we look at the extraordinary lives of women like Duncan and Adams, it’s clear that their stories are an integral part of both American and Black history. The film focuses not just on their wartime contributions but on the challenges they faced, both within the military and in a society that was still very much segregated. The battalion, though critical to the success of the war effort, faced discrimination from within the military establishment, being relegated to poorly maintained quarters and given subpar equipment. Yet, despite these systemic barriers, the women of the 6888th managed to stay focused on their mission, ensuring that soldiers received their mail and support from home.

As we approach the holiday season—a time that is often about connection and remembering our loved ones—it’s a fitting time to celebrate the role the 6888th played in keeping those connections alive for so many soldiers during a turbulent time in world history. The film Six Triple Eight is not just an entertaining retelling of these incredible women’s lives; it is an opportunity to remember and honor the perseverance, courage, and sacrifice of Black women who fought against the odds to serve a country that couldn’t fully embrace them.

Why This Story Matters

Sorting mail with French civilians in Paris

It’s the time of year when we reflect on the power of connection and the importance of community, and we can look to figures like Lillian Duncan to remind us of the importance of perseverance and service to others. The film Six Triple Eight captures that spirit beautifully, giving voice to these unsung heroines and inspiring future generations to recognize their power to make a difference. It’s more than just a film; it’s a tribute to the resilience of women, particularly Black women, who have too often been left out of the narrative of wartime heroism.

The movie will stream on Netflix starting December 20, just in time for the holidays, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate these women and the legacies they’ve built. As you watch the film, think about the women in your own life who’ve made an impact, no matter how big or small. Their stories, like those of the 6888th, deserve to be told and honored.

A Connection to Our HBCU Community

Lillian Duncan’s story is a proud part of Talladega College’s legacy, and it’s stories like hers that remind us why HBCUs are so vital to the fabric of American history. As we gear up for the holiday season, it’s a perfect time to support the educational institutions that continue to produce leaders like Duncan—those who shape the world and inspire us all to do more.

At HBCU Leggings, we are proud to honor and celebrate the legacies of HBCU alumni, especially those like Lillian Duncan, whose stories are just waiting to be shared. As we enter the season of giving, we encourage you to support your favorite HBCUs and their students. Whether it’s through donations, supporting Black-owned businesses, or simply learning more about the incredible work coming out of HBCUs, there’s never been a better time to show your love for these institutions.

As you settle in with a blanket, get cozy, and enjoy Six Triple Eight this holiday season, remember that the story of the 6888th and women like Lillian Duncan is one worth celebrating—today and always.

Love and Leggings,

Bibi