Signed, Sealed, & Delivered: African-American Women Postal Workers Since the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. By Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.


Signed, Sealed & Delivered: African-American Women Postal Workers Since the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. By Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.


The history of African Americans in the U.S. Postal Service mirrors the broader struggle for racial equality. From 1802, when African Americans were banned from carrying mail, to the late 19th century when newly enfranchised Black citizens were appointed as postmasters, clerks, and carriers, the postal service evolved into a beacon of opportunity amidst systemic discrimination.


By the early 20th century, postal jobs became a cornerstone of economic stability for African Americans, particularly during the Great Migration (1916–1940). Urban post offices provided steady employment and access to the middle class, though advancement was hindered by institutionalized racism. Federal policies, such as the Civil Service Commission’s 1914 photograph requirement and the “rule of three,” enabled discrimination, limiting opportunities for qualified Black applicants.


Despite these barriers, African Americans persevered. Advocacy groups like the National Alliance of Postal Employees (NAPE), founded in 1913, challenged discriminatory practices, including segregation within the Railway Mail Service and exclusion from union representation. The NAPE’s efforts to secure fair appointments, promotions, and workplace equity solidified its role as a leader in civil rights advocacy.


The Legacy of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion


During World War II, the establishment of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion marked a turning point for African-American women in federal employment. Created in 1944 as part of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), the 6888th was the first and only all-Black, all-female battalion deployed overseas during the war. The unit was commanded by Major Charity Adams, the first African-American woman to be commissioned in the WAC, and included over 850 women who volunteered to serve their country at a time when both their race and gender faced widespread prejudice.


The 6888th’s mission was monumental. Tasked with addressing a massive backlog of undelivered mail to U.S. troops in Europe—some of which was two years old—they worked under grueling conditions. The warehouses in Birmingham, England, where they were initially stationed, were cold, damp, and poorly lit. Stacks of mail towered in seemingly endless piles, covered in vermin and dirt. Despite the challenges, the women of the 6888th adopted the motto, “No Mail, Low Morale,” recognizing the vital role letters from home played in boosting the spirits of soldiers.


Through innovative organizational techniques and tireless work, the 6888th processed an estimated 17 million pieces of mail in just three months, working in three eight-hour shifts around the clock. Their efficiency was so remarkable that they completed their task months ahead of schedule. Later, the battalion was transferred to Rouen, France, where they continued their mission under similar conditions, ultimately clearing another backlog of millions of pieces of mail.


The success of the 6888th was more than logistical—it was symbolic. Their work demonstrated the capabilities and determination of African-American women under the most challenging circumstances, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for greater inclusion of Black women in both the military and the federal workforce.


Impact and Recognition


Despite their extraordinary accomplishments, the women of the 6888th received little recognition upon returning home. They faced the same racism and sexism that had persisted before the war, and their contributions were largely ignored in historical narratives. It wasn’t until decades later that their story began to receive the acknowledgment it deserved.


In 2019, a monument honoring the 6888th was unveiled at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In 2022, the battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, recognizing their outstanding service during World War II. These belated honors serve as a reminder of their enduring legacy and the barriers they broke for future generations of African-American women.


Progress Through Advocacy


The contributions of the 6888th inspired broader changes in federal employment and civil rights. Advocacy efforts by organizations like NAPE, along with civil rights groups such as the NAACP, built on the momentum created by trailblazers like these women. By the 1960s, African Americans were increasingly promoted to supervisory roles in the postal service, and by the end of the century, they represented 21% of all postal employees.


The legacy of the 6888th and other African-American postal workers underscores how resilience and excellence can overcome systemic barriers. Their story is a testament to the power of advocacy, determination, and the enduring struggle for equality.


Legacy and Impact


Federal employment, particularly in the postal service, became a cornerstone of economic opportunity and social mobility for African Americans, including women, during the 20th century. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion stands as a shining example of how African-American women not only overcame discrimination but excelled in roles that reshaped public perceptions and laid a foundation for future progress. Their contributions continue to inspire and remind us of the critical importance of equity, justice, and opportunity for all.


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