Texas 6888th Project: An American Love Story.
The Texas 6888th Project is a mission of remembrance, honor, and education dedicated to the courageous women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion who served during World War II. These pioneering African American women, including those from Texas, played a vital role in clearing a massive backlog of undelivered mail to boost the morale of soldiers on the front lines. Their service, though often overlooked, was an act of profound patriotism and resilience.
Honoring Their Legacy
Our mission is to raise the profile, teach the history, and preserve the legacy of the Texas women who served in the 6888th. Through advocacy, education, and public recognition, we strive to ensure that their contributions are never forgotten. The Texas 6888th Project seeks to accomplish this through several key initiatives:
1. Recognizing Their Service with the Congressional Medal of Honor Headstone.
Many members of the 6888th were laid to rest in private ceremonies, often without the public recognition they deserved. Our project is working to identify these women and ensure that each of them receives a Congressional Medal of Honor designation headstone, a symbol of national gratitude for their service. Each headstone will be adorned with a Yellow Rose of Texas, a tribute to their courage and sacrifice.
2. Honoring the 6888th at the Texas State Capitol
We are committed to securing a Texas State Resolution recognizing the contributions of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. By doing so, we aim to enshrine their legacy in the historical records of the state, ensuring future generations learn about these extraordinary women.
3. Preserving Their Story Through Art
Art has the power to bring history to life, and we are honored to collaborate with Miss Torie Monroe Hunter, an 11-year-old child prodigy artist, on the Signed, Sealed, and Delivered art series. These paintings will depict the strength, dedication, and impact of the 6888th, creating a lasting visual tribute to their heroism.
4. Attending the Congressional Medal of Honor Ceremony
We will travel to Washington, D.C., to witness the Congressional Medal of Honor Ceremony, where these remarkable women will finally receive the recognition they deserve. Standing in solidarity with their families, we will celebrate their historic achievements and their lasting influence on American history.
5. Visiting the 6888th Museum at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia
To deepen our understanding and appreciation of the 6888th, we will visit the museum dedicated to their memory at Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia. This pilgrimage will allow us to connect with their stories, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
An American Love Story
The Texas 6888th Project is more than a historical initiative, it is an American love story. It is a testament to the love these women had for their country, for the soldiers who depended on them, and for the future generations who will learn from their sacrifice. Their unwavering dedication in the face of discrimination and adversity is a lesson in perseverance, patriotism, and service.
By lifting their names, sharing their stories, and honoring their legacy, we ensure that the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion will never be forgotten. Their love for America was undeniable, and now, through the Texas 6888th Project, America will show its love and gratitude for them.
About Pastor Kyev Tatum, Project Curator
Pastor Kyev P. Tatum is a civil rights leader, historian, and community advocate dedicated to preserving under-heard Black history in Texas. With over four decades of experience in policy, program development, and public advocacy, Pastor Tatum has been at the forefront of efforts to uplift and empower marginalized communities.
A Fort Worth native, Pastor Tatum serves as the President of the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas and is the Pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church. His work spans multiple initiatives, including addressing food insecurity, youth empowerment, and racial justice. His leadership extends to projects such as Farm Fort Worth, an urban agriculture initiative combatting food deserts, and The Texas 6888th Project, which seeks to honor the contributions of African American women in WWII.
Pastor Tatum is a recognized curator of Black history, leading efforts to document and honor figures such as Beatrice Pringle of Sepia Magazine, Francine Reese Morrison, and the I.M. Terrell High School Basketball All-Stars. His commitment to education and historical preservation has earned him widespread respect as a champion for justice.
In 2024, Pastor Tatum was nominated as a Bloomberg New Economy Catalyst for his work in economic empowerment, particularly through the Inner City Coffee Exchange, an initiative fostering specialty coffee entrepreneurship in underserved communities. Inspired by this nomination, he is completing his book, From Bean to Bank: A Blueprint to Brewing a Better Economy for the Inner-City Community.
Pastor Tatum’s unwavering dedication to justice, education, and economic empowerment makes him the ideal leader for the Texas 6888th Project. Through his efforts, the legacy of these extraordinary women will be honored, preserved, and shared with future generations.
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