From The Publisher – New Journal & Guide’s Special WHM Focus: Incredible Black WACS of The “Six-Triple-Eight”

During four weeks in March, the New Journal and Guide will tell the story of the 6888, the first and only all-Black female battalion to serve overseas in World War II, exemplifying the quest for diversity, equity and inclusion in that period’s “white man’s Army.”

Their true story also is being told in a film by Tyler Perry, featuring Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey and Susan Sarandon that is scheduled for release during March on Netflix. The New Journal and Guide’s four-part Women’s History Month series begins March 7 and continues March 14, March 21, and March 29 to include pictures and stories taken from the New Journal and Guide’s archival newspaper collection.

We invite you to join us weekly.

March is Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.”

In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.

Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.

The 2024 National Women’s History Theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”

Today, equity, diversity and inclusion are powerful driving forces that are having a wide-ranging impact on our country. Women in communities across the nation are helping to develop innovative programs and projects within corporations, the military, federal agencies and educational organizations to address inequities and to eliminate bias and discrimination.

It takes courage for women to advocate for practical goals like diversity, equity, and inclusion when established forces aim to misinterpret, exploit or discredit them. Across the nation, during Women’s History Month, communities will honor women from the past and present who have taken the lead to show the importance of change and to establish firmer safeguards, practices and legislation reflecting these values.

Excerpt for story:  New Journal and Guide’s Special Story of the Incredible Black WACs of The “Six-Triple-Eight” produced by Tyler Perry, starring Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey and Susan Sarandon is scheduled for release in March on Netflix.