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
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Chaka Khan, Q Parker to Lead Living Legends Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Gala in Atlanta
Milestone celebration will recognize the executives, radio personalities, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders who helped shape Black music and entertainment
ATLANTA, Ga. (FNN) — Ten-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan will serve as honorary ambassador and Grammy-winning singer and founding 112 member Q Parker as honorary gala chair for the Living Legends Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala, the organization announced.
The milestone celebration is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2, in Atlanta and will bring together artists, music executives, radio personalities, creatives, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders to recognize the people whose work has helped shape Black music, media and entertainment.
For Khan, the role marks a return to an organization that recognized her more than three decades ago. She was among the artists honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 1992.
“When you cross a bridge, you don’t think about all the hands that built it. Some of the most important contributions are the ones we never see,” Khan said in the announcement. “Thank you, Living Legends Foundation, for seeing that every story matters and for honoring those hands and hearts that helped build the way for all of us.”
Chaka Khan Returns for Milestone Anniversary
Living Legends Foundation Chairman David C. Linton said Khan’s connection to the organization makes her participation especially significant during its 35th anniversary.
“Having Chaka Khan serve as our Honorary Ambassador during this milestone year is incredibly meaningful,” Linton said. “Chaka’s history with the Foundation reaches back to our earliest years, and her extraordinary career represents the excellence, longevity and cultural impact we have worked to celebrate for 35 years.”
Khan’s appearance also comes as she prepares for another chapter in her recording career. According to the foundation’s announcement, her new album, “Chakzilla,” is scheduled for release Sept. 18. The project, described as her first full-length album in seven years, includes collaborations with Sia, Snoop Dogg and Lenny Kravitz.
The combination of Khan’s new music and her honorary role highlights one of the gala’s central themes: connecting the legacy of Black music with the people continuing to move the industry forward.
Q Parker to Serve as Honorary Gala Chair
Joining Khan is Q Parker, a founding member of Grammy-winning R&B group 112. Parker will serve as honorary gala chair and help promote the foundation’s work recognizing and supporting music industry professionals.
“Black music has given me a career, a community, and an opportunity to use my gifts to impact people around the world, so serving as Honorary Chair for the Living Legends Foundation’s 35th anniversary is truly an honor,” Parker said.
Parker said the industry’s success extends far beyond the artists audiences see on stage.
“This organization understands that our industry is bigger than the names we see on the marquee,” Parker said. “There are countless people behind the scenes who have dedicated their lives to moving our culture forward.”
Parker recently released the single “Stare,” from his forthcoming album, “Evolution of Romance, Volume Two,” expected this fall, according to the announcement.
Honoring the People Behind Black Music and Culture
Founded in 1991, the Living Legends Foundation has built its mission around recognizing professionals whose work has helped bring Black music and culture to audiences around the world.
Beyond its annual honors, the nonprofit provides support to music industry professionals with confirmed needs and invests in future generations through mentorship, scholarships and other assistance.
The anniversary gala will continue that mission by placing executives, broadcasters, advocates, entrepreneurs and other behind-the-scenes leaders alongside some of the most recognizable figures in entertainment.
2026 Living Legends Foundation Honorees
This year’s honorees include:
- Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award: Louis Carr, president of BET
- A.D. Washington Chairman’s Award: Black Promoters Collective
- Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award: Kenny Smoov, vice president of urban programming, Cumulus
- Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award: Greg Street, air personality, V-103 Atlanta
- Impact Player Award: Juliette Jones, COO, Alamo Records
- Music Executive Award: Tim Reid, senior vice president, repertoire and marketing, BMG Recorded Music
- Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award: Phylicia Fant, global director, Black Music + Culture, Amazon Music
- Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award: James McMillan, Esq., CEO, ART@WAR Entertainment
- Hip-Hop Visionary Award: Ted Lucas, founder and CEO, Slip-N-Slide Records
- Entrepreneur Award: Ralph McDaniels, executive producer, “Video Music Box”
Why the 35th Anniversary Matters
The anniversary reflects more than three decades of recognizing people whose contributions to Black music and entertainment have not always received the same public attention as the artists they helped build, promote and sustain.
That history is reflected in Khan’s return. After being recognized by the foundation in its early years, she will now help honor another generation of industry leaders.
The 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala will continue the Living Legends Foundation’s tradition of celebrating achievement, leadership, innovation and service while preserving the stories of the people who helped build the business and culture surrounding Black music.
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