Entertainment
Tyler Perry’s Six Triple Eight on Netflix: A Feel-Good Holiday Movie with a Powerful Historical Message
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) –This holiday season, settle in for a feel-good movie that’s both uplifting and educational. Tyler Perry’s Six Triple Eight, now streaming on Netflix, tells the incredible true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—an inspiring and little-known chapter of World War II history. It’s the perfect film for those looking to be inspired by real-life heroes and celebrate the unsung contributions of women of color.
The story centers on the 855 Black women who were sent to Europe during WWII to tackle a massive backlog of undelivered mail—17 million pieces that had accumulated over three years. These women, led by Major Charity Adams (played by the talented Kerry Washington), had the crucial task of sorting through and delivering these letters from home to the soldiers fighting abroad. Their mission wasn’t just logistical—it was about boosting the morale of those on the frontlines by reconnecting them with their families and loved ones, offering them a sense of hope in the midst of war.
When producer Nicole Avant (daughter of the late music mogul Clarence Avant and his wife Jacqueline) first pitched the story to Tyler Perry, he was shocked to learn about the battalion. “You’re kidding me, right? There’s no way that there were 855 Black women in Europe during World War II,” Perry recalled. But after hearing more about their mission, Perry was immediately captivated. He dove into research, including an article by historian Kevin M. Hymel, who would later serve as the film’s historian, bringing the true story to life on screen.
In Perry’s hands, Six Triple Eight isn’t just a historical drama—it’s a tribute to the courage, strength, and perseverance of these incredible women. Kerry Washington’s portrayal of Major Adams is powerful, capturing the essence of a leader who faced immense challenges—racism, sexism, and the brutal realities of war—but never wavered. The film not only highlights their hardships but celebrates their triumphs, showing how these women overcame adversity and changed history without the recognition they deserved.
The film doesn’t just stop at the battlefield. At the end of Six Triple Eight, the surviving members of the 6888th Battalion share their real-life experiences, offering a heartwarming and deeply emotional look at the legacy of these women. Their voices remind us of the enormous contributions of Black women in history—stories that have long been overlooked but are now being told with the respect and honor they deserve. Among them is Lena Derriecott, who, at the time, was 100 years old. She reads the names of her fallen sisters: Elizabeth Bernice Barker Johnson (2020), Maybelle Campbell (2021), Deloris Ruddock (2021), Anna Mae Wilson Robertson, Romay Johnson Davis, and Fannie Griffin McClendon. As of 2022, only three members remain: Fannie McClendon, Lena King, and Anna Mae Robertson. Their voices remind us of the enormous contributions of Black women in history—stories that have long been overlooked but are now being told with the respect and honor they deserve.
For women of color, Six Triple Eight is especially significant. It shines a long-overdue spotlight on their contributions, honoring the legacy of Black women who were often left out of the history books. This film is also a must-watch for anyone who respects and appreciates our female veterans, as it highlights the essential role these women played in uplifting the spirits of American servicemen during a difficult time.
Six Triple Eight is the perfect movie for the holidays—heartwarming, inspiring, and educational. These women’s ability to clear a backlog of 17 million pieces of mail in record time wasn’t just an impressive logistical feat—it was a lifeline for soldiers who longed to hear from their families. Their work not only delivered letters but also restored hope and morale to countless soldiers on the frontlines.
So, gather your loved ones and dive into this incredible story that celebrates bravery, resilience, and the essential role women have always played in shaping our history. Six Triple Eight is a reminder of the power of connection and the profound impact these women had on the hearts and minds of our troops. Don’t miss it—this is one movie you’ll want to watch and share.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
