Random Thoughts from The Random Black Girls

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, nicknamed the "Six Triple Eight", was an all-black battalion of the Women's Army Corp. (WAC). The 6888th had 855 black women, both enlisted and officers, and was led by Major Charity Adams. It was the only all-black, all-female battalion sent overseas during World War II. The group motto was "No mail, low morale".

The battalion was organized into five companies, Headquarters, Company A, Company B, Company C, and Company D. Most of the 6888th worked as postal clerks, but others were cooks, mechanics and held other support positions, so that the 6888th was a self-sufficient unit. (source: Wikipedia)

This Black History fact fascinated me because my mother is a 20 -year retired veteran. Both my parents and my husband served in the US Army. I also have an aunt and two uncles who have served in the military. As Black people, we often serve a country that continues to UNDER SERVE us, which is why I always refer back to two amazing quotes that represent this duality that many Black people often face when addressing the need for CHANGE in a country that seems hellbent on becoming worse!

1) “To be black and conscious in America is to be in a constant state of rage.” — James Baldwin

2) “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” — James Baldwin

I have always said that Black people LOVE America more authentically than anyone else because we see the hope and possibility, which is why we are here continuing to call her misdeeds to the table. We birthed her, built her, nourished her, and continue to fight for her even though she has killed us, broken us, starved us, and continues to leave us without defenses. We love America differently because SHE IS OURS and we know how great she can be and we will not stop until her potential is realized!

Source: Getty