The Birth of Little Miss 6888th: Carrying Hope in an Envelope By Black Texans, Inc.

 

The Birth of Little Miss 6888th: Carrying Hope in an Envelope

By Black Texans, Inc.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — In an era where too many young girls face an identity crisis fueled by social media pressures, toxic messaging, and a lack of meaningful historical connection, one Fort Worth pastor dared to do something revolutionary — he gave them purpose, heritage, and pride. That vision became Little Miss 6888th, a youth ministry inspired by the heroic legacy of the all-Black, all-female 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of World War II.

The ministry is the brainchild of Pastor Kyev Tatum, a civil rights leader, community builder, and historian who has long championed the preservation of Black military history in Texas. Before Little Miss 6888th ever existed, Pastor Tatum had already been on the frontlines of justice — helping lead the effort to secure clemency and proper headstones for the Buffalo Soldiers of Camp Logan who died at Fort Sam Houston, partnering with Bryant Pearson and the Bowtie Boys to ensure their story was not forgotten.

That work laid the foundation for his next divine assignment: preserving and promoting the extraordinary story of the 6888th Battalion — the only all-Black, all-women unit deployed overseas during WWII. Under the fearless leadership of Major Charity Edna Adams, these sheroes processed a six-month backlog of mail in just three months while stationed in wartime Europe.

Their mission? Restore morale.

Their motto? “No Mail, Low Morale.”

Their impact? Immeasurable.

In early 2023, Pastor Tatum launched The Texas 6888th Project, affectionately known as “The Yellow Roses from Texas,” to educate the public and honor these unsung heroines. With the support of national champions like Colonel Edna Cummings, MSgt. Elizabeth Anne Helms-Frazier, Sgt. Stephenie Mitchell, and filmmaker Carlota Espinoza — co-producer of Tyler Perry’s Six Triple Eight starring Kerry Washington — the battalion’s legacy began to take hold on the national stage.

The spotlight only grew brighter. In March 2022, the 6888th was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal — one of the nation’s highest civilian honors. And in February 2024, the release of Six Triple Eight on Netflix brought their story into homes across America, reigniting public interest in their courage, commitment, and contribution.

But Pastor Tatum knew legacy must live beyond the headlines. It had to be sewn into the hearts of the next generation.

That realization came to life in February 2025, when he asked his then-11-year-old granddaughter, Torie Monroe Hunter, a child prodigy artist, to paint a portrait of Major Charity Adams. In just 24 hours, she delivered a stunning masterpiece — capturing not just a face, but a force. From that brushstroke, Little Miss 6888th was born.

It became more than a youth group — it became a movement. A sacred sisterhood of young girls charged with three holy orders:

Protect. Promote. Preserve. the legacy of the 6888th.

On April 25, 2025, that vision leapt off the canvas and into living history. Two members of Little Miss 6888th — Torie Monroe Hunter and Kailey Williams — joined a nine-member Fort Worth delegation in attending the official Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the 6888th in Washington, D.C. Dressed in custom uniforms inspired by the original battalion, they turned heads — and touched hearts.

Thanks to a powerful article by Tiffani Jackson in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, CBS Capitol Correspondent Nikole Killion took notice and arranged an exclusive interview with the girls. Their poise, purpose, and passion stole the show — becoming the emotional highlight of the historic event.

Colonel Edna Cummings praised their “passion for service.” Members of Congress and descendants of 6888th soldiers applauded their presence. The Library of Congress added them to its Veterans History Project, ensuring their voices — like those of the women they honor — will echo for generations to come.

None of this would have been possible without the faithful support of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, the DFW Buffalo Soldiers, and the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas, who ensured that finances would never be a barrier to history.

And the story didn’t end there.

On April 30, 2025, while still in Washington, D.C., Pastor and Sister Tatum, along with Minister Derrick Johnson, led a deeply moving ceremony at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall. Entitled “When Doves Cry,” the event honored the memory of the three members of the 6888th who died in the line of duty on July 8, 1945, while serving overseas during WWII. Over 200 people gathered in reverence, including Mrs. S. Hooper Evans, a descendant of one of the fallen. It was a moment of sacred remembrance — a spiritual continuation of the mission to never forget.

Now, Little Miss 6888th has its marching orders: to carry the spirit of excellence into every corner of the globe. To inspire young girls — especially Black girls — to know they, too, can lead, serve, and rise. That they too carry hope in an envelope — not one sealed with postage, but with purpose, potential, and power.

As Pastor Tatum often declares:

“This isn’t just history. This is herstory — and heart story.”

Under the unwavering guidance of Pastor Kyev Tatum and Sister Tonya Tatum, Little Miss 6888th is more than a tribute. It’s a training ground for the next generation of leaders, thinkers, healers, and warriors of hope.

And the world is taking notice.

So help us God.

⸻

For more information, please contact:

Pastor Kyev Tatum

📞 (817) 966-7625

📧 kptatum1@gmail.com

🌐 www.newmountrose.com