The Six Triple Eight – Why did we not know?

First off, I am thankful for the Netflix Strong Black Lead department for supporting the making of projects such as the movie “The Six Triple Eight” which is the story of the only all-black, all-female Women’s Army Corps (WAC) unit to serve overseas (Europe) during World War II.

Eight hundred and fifty five (855) African American women served in the Central Postal Directory Battalion that contributed to the war effort by sorting through a three-year backlog of mail (17 million pieces) that hadn’t been delivered to or from American soldiers far from home.

Much of the mail was labeled with incorrect or incomplete addresses, yet the unit was able to complete the task of getting the letters and packages to their intended destinations in less than 90 days (half the time given) by working 24-hour shifts providing morale when the United States needed it most.

The movie was written, directed, and produced by Tyler Perry and stars Kerry Washington who is also a producer on the film.

I shared information about the film with a group of Black women leaders and one member asked the question, “Why does it take so long to recognize these historical moments?“

Below was my response:

“My guess is that it is the oppression systems at work.

The story is only being told now in mass because a few Black leaders (President and Mrs. Obama, Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, etc.) have risen to enough power that they can create content and recognize others for their reserve rather than solely being the consumers of what others want them to know.

We as underrepresented persons are often kept at token % levels (15% or Skewed Groups according to Kanter, 1977) because it leaves us feeling alone, powerless, and othered therefore without a voice to speak out or to spread word of what we have experienced because who would believe it.

Even with the movie out, there will still be plenty of people who do not watch it and remain unaware, repeating the cycle as the system of oppression is designed to do.

People of color have been socialized to isolate, to discourage ourselves, and to question ourselves, our abilities, and our intelligence.”

What do you think is the reason? Respond in the comments.