The Six Triple Eight: Honoring an All-Black Women’s Unit’s Crucial WWII Mission
The Six Triple Eight, featuring Tonya Abari, is a story about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black women's unit that managed a significant wartime mail backlog during World War II. Their mission, guided by the motto "No mail,…
Seattle Tacoma, WA, July 23, 2026 —
A new story, “The Six Triple Eight,” is shedding light on the pivotal role played by the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black women’s unit during World War II. The narrative, which features Tonya Abari, highlights the significant wartime mail backlog this unit was tasked with clearing.
The 6888th Battalion operated under the critical wartime motto, “No mail, low morale.” Their primary objective was to ensure that soldiers serving overseas remained connected to their families and loved ones back home. This connection was recognized as vital for maintaining troop morale and, consequently, their effectiveness in the war effort.
The unit faced the immense challenge of processing and distributing a massive backlog of mail that had accumulated due to the disruptions of war. Despite the scale of the task and the prevailing segregation and discrimination of the era, these women worked diligently to overcome obstacles and fulfill their mission.
The story emphasizes the determination and resilience of these women, whose contributions were essential to the morale and well-being of the troops. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion’s efforts underscore a significant, though often overlooked, aspect of the logistical and human support systems that underpinned the Allied forces during World War II.
Story summarized from the original created by Cascade PBS Staff on www.cascadepbs.org, see more information here.
