The Netflix film “The Six Triple Eight,” which captivated over 23.3 million viewers, tells the incredible true story of the 855 Black women and women of color who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. Their mission: to tackle a massive backlog of 17 million pieces of mail and significantly boost troop morale. The film’s dedication to Clarence and Jacqueline Avant, entertainment mogul and philanthropist respectively, highlights the pivotal role their daughter played in bringing this untold story to the screen.
Nicole Avant, a diplomat-turned-film producer, inherited a love of history from her mother. Jacqueline had shared stories of Major Charity Adams, the first African American woman to become an officer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, with a young Nicole. However, the details of the 6888th Battalion remained unknown to Nicole until she received a sizzle reel from filmmakers. A playful disagreement with her mother ensued, with Jacqueline exclaiming, “I’ve told you about the Six Triple Eight!” This sparked Nicole’s determination to bring their story to light. Jacqueline’s philosophy, passed down to Nicole, emphasized the importance of carrying the torch of history and using one’s life to honor those who came before.
Tragically, Jacqueline was killed in a home invasion in December 2021, making “The Six Triple Eight” their final shared project. Following this devastating loss, Clarence Avant moved in with Nicole and her husband, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, until his passing in August 2023. During this challenging time, Nicole wrote her memoir, “Think You’ll Be Happy,” while simultaneously working on the film, constantly supported by her father. She even shared dailies from the set with him, showcasing a completed cut before his death. The movie’s ending credits song, a Diane Warren composition, provided a lighthearted moment before his passing, highlighting a shared appreciation for the songwriter’s expressive style. Their poignant final moments are further detailed in a new foreword Sarandos penned for the paperback edition of “Think You’ll Be Happy,” published just hours before the film’s premiere.
Nicole firmly believes in divine timing and order, citing several serendipitous events during the film’s production. Notably, Kerry Washington, cast as Major Adams, had just learned about the 6888th and posted about a related social media project celebrating Black women’s contributions when she received an email about the film. This convergence of events underscores the project’s unique journey, from Jacqueline’s initial spark to its completion under the unwavering support of Clarence. The film’s significance is further enhanced by Nicole’s personal experience, emphasizing perseverance even amidst immense grief.
For Sarandos, the film holds dual significance: as a Netflix production showcasing Tyler Perry’s expanded creative scope and as a deeply personal project reflecting the values instilled by Clarence and Jacqueline. He sees “The Six Triple Eight,” along with “A Jazzman’s Blues,” as a testament to Perry’s evolving ambition and Netflix’s commitment to supporting such meaningful stories. Ultimately, the film serves as a powerful tribute, not just to the heroic women of the 6888th, but also to the lasting legacy of Clarence and Jacqueline Avant and their enduring commitment to preserving history.