WHEN DOVES FLY: A Joyful Tribute to the Fallen Heroes of the 6888th at the MLK Stone of Hope Memorial in Washington, DC.

 


WHEN DOVES FLY: A Joyful Tribute to the Fallen Heroes of the 6888th at the MLK Stone of Hope Memorial in Washington, DC | https://vimeo.com/1080524172


WASHINGTON, DC — In a stirring and soul-stirring celebration of courage, legacy, and hope, the Texas 6888th Project, in partnership with the Ministers Justice Coalition and Minister Derrick Johnson and his Singing Doves, hosted When Doves Fly: Honoring the Legacy of the 6888th Members Who Died in Battle During World War II, at the iconic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Stone of Hope Memorial on the National Mall.




Under a bright sky and amidst the towering message of justice engraved in stone, more than 200 attendees gathered to pay tribute to the brave women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—the only all-Black, all-female unit deployed overseas during WWII. With spirit and purpose, Pastor Kyev Tatum, founding director of the Texas 6888th Project, pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, and president of the Ministers Justice Coalition, delivered powerful remarks calling forth unity, remembrance, and the urgency of keeping this history alive.




Hearts swelled with pride and tears as Mrs. Stelena Hooper Evans, daughter of Battalion member Mildred Gates Hooper, gave a heartfelt address on behalf of the descendants. She then helped release the doves in sacred memory of:

• Sgt. Dolores Browne

• Pfc. Mary H. Bankston

• Pvt. Mary J. Barlow



Adding a vibrant layer of storytelling was Carlota Espinosa, producer of Six Triple Eight and an impassioned WWII historian. As a proud Latina, she reminded us that the 6888th included women of diverse backgrounds, including Latinas who served valiantly and often without recognition. Her words inspired a collective sense of pride and broadened the horizon of this powerful legacy.



Young voices and eager minds were part of the day’s magic, with students from George Fischer Middle School in Carmel, New York, and visiting scholars from Canada witnessing history come alive before their eyes. They weren’t just spectators—they were torchbearers of tomorrow.



As the moment grew sacred, Minister Derrick Johnson lifted his voice in “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” one of Dr. King’s favorite hymns. With soaring vocals and reverent silence, a descendant of the 6888th joined him to release the doves—symbols of peace, promise, and the eternal presence of those we honor.



The crescendo of the day arrived with the ceremonial Passing of the Mantle of Service to Little Miss 6888th, who received it from retired Colonel Edna Cummings—a trailblazer and tireless champion of the 6888th’s story. In that moment, legacy became destiny, and history found its future.



This unforgettable day was not just about remembering the past—it was about igniting the future with passion, purpose, and pride.




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