YELLOW ROSES FROM TEXAS: The Little Miss 6888th Step on the National Stage at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

 

YELLOW ROSES FROM TEXAS: The Little Miss 6888th Step on the National Stage at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

WASHINGTON, DC — Under the radiant glow of history and hope, the Texas 6888th Delegation arrives in our nation’s capital on April 29, 2025, with purpose in their stride and pride in their hearts. At the forefront stand two dazzling young torchbearers of legacy and light—Miss Torie Hunter and Miss Kailey Williams—our brilliant Little Miss 6888th Historians, ready to make their mark on this historic day in Emancipation Hall.

Brimming with poise and pride, Torie and Kailey capture the attention of none other than CBS News Congressional Correspondent Ms. Nikole Killion, an extraordinary journalist whose presence alone ignites the spirit of possibility in the next generation. More than a reporter, Nikole is a history-shaper, a glass-ceiling breaker, and a walking, talking testament to what determination, excellence, and unapologetic Black brilliance look like. For Torie and Kailey, standing before her isn’t just an interview—it’s a masterclass in courage, commitment, and the power of representation.

Nikole Killion’s journalistic résumé is a powerhouse of achievement—from securing exclusive interviews with leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to reporting from the front lines of hurricanes, political unrest, and presidential campaigns. A proud graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Nikole embodies everything our young historians aspire to be: sharp, unshakable, and soaring high with integrity.

And soar they do.

Miss Torie Hunter, a vibrant 11-year-old child prodigy artist from Keller ISD, brings not only talent but a heart full of hope to everything she touches. She paints, she writes, and now—she documents history. Her eye for detail and love for learning shine as she steps fully into her role as a Little Miss 6888th Historian.

Miss Kailey Williams, a dynamic and gifted young scholar from Fort Worth, stands shoulder to shoulder with Torie as a symbol of rising excellence in the Lone Star State. Her keen mind and compassionate spirit breathe life into the stories of Black women whose names are being remembered with dignity and honor.

Together, Kailey and Torie represent more than their generation—they represent our future.

This summer, under the guidance of the New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, they lead the Little Miss 6888th Historians Initiative, embarking on a powerful journey of discovery and storytelling. With each page they turn and each name they recover, they resurrect forgotten heroines, one story at a time.

They are Yellow Roses from Texas, blooming with beauty, brilliance, and bravery.

And today, standing in the shadow of giants, they show the nation that the legacy of the 6888th lives on—not just in medals and monuments—but in the hearts, hands, and hopes of two little girls who dare to dream big.

A Crown of Creativity: Honoring the 6888th through Art

As part of the official events in Washington, D.C., Miss Hunter unveils one of her proudest artistic tributes—her original portrait of Captain Charity Adams Earley, the trailblazing commander of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. A self-taught artist and one of the youngest participants in this prestigious ceremony, Torie captures both the strength and grace of this military pioneer. Her artwork is more than a painting—it is a powerful reflection of her reverence for Black women who paved the way.

The daughter of Army veteran Alexandria Christine Smith Tatum, Torie comes from a family deeply rooted in service, sacrifice, and resilience. A proud member of the Rosebuds at New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, she channels her creativity to uplift, educate, and inspire. Her brushstrokes carry the legacy of those who came before her and illuminate the path for those who follow.

Miss Torie’s art will also be featured at the Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum Art Show, running from February 1 to March 9, 2025, at the 400H Gallery in Downtown Fort Worth. Sponsored by the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society and Sundance Square, the show celebrates artists who contribute to preserving and showcasing Black history through their creative gifts.

In addition, Miss Torie will be recognized in Trilogy of Her Story: Black Women Trailblazers from Fort Worth, an exhibit running March through June 2025 at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. This powerful collection highlights the stories and accomplishments of Black women leaders, with Miss Torie’s artwork and historic contributions standing as a shining example of the importance of intergenerational storytelling and artistic expression.

Today, Miss Torie Hunter and Miss Kailey Williams do more than participate—they lead, they inspire, and they honor. With hearts full of history and hands ready to shape the future, they show us all what it means to bloom boldly, brilliantly, and beautifully as Yellow Roses from Texas.