Black WWII battalion, first all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit to serve overseas, finally honored
TSD Newsroom
Seventy-nine years after their unprecedented service in World War II, the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion — the only allBlack Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps unit to serve in Europe during the war — received one of the nation’s highest honors two years after then-President Joe Biden signed a proclamation clearing the way for the award.
The women, known as the Six Triple Eight, were bestowed the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony Tuesday at the Capitol’s Emancipation Hall. “These heroes deserve their dues,” U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, Democrat of Wisconsin, told The Associated Press Monday.
Formed in 1944 as pressure grew to include Black women in overseas military operations, the 6888th was tasked with solving a massive wartime mail crisis. More than 7 million U.S. troops, Red Cross workers and government personnel stationed in Europe were relying on mail to stay connected with loved ones back home.
By early 1945, the Army estimated a backlog of roughly 17 million pieces of undelivered mail — some dating back years. The Army’s solution was a newly created battalion of 855 Black women led by Maj. Charity Adams, who would later become the highest-ranking Black woman in the Army during the war. The unit deployed to Birmingham,
Despite their success and high praise from fellow service members, the women of the 6888th returned to a country still unwilling to properly acknowledge their service. They received standard medals issued to most who served, but no special commendation.
England, in February 1945 and immediately went to work sorting an estimated 65,000 pieces of mail per eight-hour shift around the clock, using a system of locator cards to track service members and their units.
The battalion was given six months to do the job. They finished the job in about three months, clearing the backlog and restoring morale to soldiers desperate for word from home.
“They kept hollering about wanting us to go overseas,” Maj. Fannie Griffin McClendon said. “So I guess they found something for us to do: take care of the mail. And there was an awful lot of mail.”
The women then were deployed to Rouen, France, and later to Paris, where they continued their mission while also investigating widespread mail theft and
dealing with racism, sexism and the trauma of burying fellow soldiers killed in a tragic vehicle accident — funerals they paid for themselves when the War Department refused.
Despite their success and high praise from fellow service members, the women of the 6888th returned to a country still unwilling to properly acknowledge their service. They received standard medals issued to most who served, but no special commendation.
That began to change in the 1980s as their story slowly resurfaced through reunions, books, museum exhibits and documentaries. A monument was erected in their honor in 2018 at Fort Leavenworth, and they received the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2019. In 2022, Congress voted unanimously — 422-0 — to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the unit.
“It’s overwhelming,” McClendon, who lives in Arizona, told the AP after the vote. “It’s something I never even thought about.”
Biden signed the bipartisan bill the
following year. “That really shows how long this recognition took,” said Kim Guise, senior curator at the National WWII Museum. “It is really important to recognize the accomplishments of these women and what they went through to serve their country in wartime.”
The medal is a posthumous tribute for most of the battalion’s 855 members. Only two are still alive today – Anna Mae Robertson, 104, and McClendon, 101, who later joined the Air Force after military integration and became the first woman to command an all-male Strategic Air Command squadron.
In addition to the medal and previous honors, their story is now part of popular culture. Netflix has a feature film titled “The Six Triple Eight,” directed by Tyler Perry and starring Kerry Washington.
(The Associated Press and BlackPressUSA.com provided this report.)
Second Lt. Freda le Beau serving Major Charity Adams a soda at the opening of the battalion’s snack bar in Rouen, France. (Wikimedia Commons / Photo by United States Army Signal Corps)
■■ ENTERTAINMENT
Motherhood books for Mother’s Day
By Terri Schlichenmeyer Special to The Tri-State Defender
Breakfast in bed or a nicely-colored picture?
If you’re a mother, you’d probably gladly take both. Or flowers, maybe? Or how about settling for two hours of uninterrupted peace and quiet and one of these great books about motherhood and being someone’s Mom? Without a doubt, if you’re somebody’s mother, your experiences are not the same as any other mom’s in the world, but did you ever wonder how other mothers do it? In “Four Mothers” by Abigail Leonard (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, $30), you’ll read about how mothers in Japan, Kenya, Finland and here in the U.S. care for their babies, survive and thrive. This is a fascinating first-year account of their support systems, parental leave, social issues, personal thoughts and uplifting stories.
Speaking of challenges, here’s a tale of motherhood you don’t often see. “Mainline Mama: A Memoir” by Keeonna Harris (Amistad, $26.99) is the story of motherhood and prison walls. It’s Harris’ own story of teen pregnancy, an incarcerated partner, and raising a child with input that comes with a physical wall between parents. In here, Harris also advocates strongly for help and compassion for mothers who are in her shoes. It is a must-read if you know how essential community support is to being a Mom.
For the mother who’s struggled to have a baby, “Held Together” by Rebecca N. Thompson, MD, (HarperOne, $29.99) will be golden.
After a series of medical issues caused the loss of her pregnancies, Thompson came to understand that being a doctor didn’t insulate her from feeling lost and alone in her grief. This book is a result of those emotions. Here, more than a dozen of her patients, friends and colleagues weigh in on their pregnancies, their troubles, hope, loss, happiness, wishes fulfilled, life with toddlers, and their feelings about the first years of parenthood. The result is a book that seems like a long series of comfort and camaraderie from friends who’ve been there, which may be a much-needed balm to a new mom.
And finally, ask any mother about her kids and be prepared for a long conversation. Or a book like “Through Mom’s Eyes: Simple Wisdom from Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans” from “Today” show host Sheinelle Jones (Putnam, $29).
Here, Jones asked the mothers of more than a dozen celebrities how they reared their famous kids. But this isn’t just random, wide advice. She interviewed the mother of the Jonas Brothers on self-compassion. She talked to Padma Lakshmi’s mother on paying attention to your child. She
Books for adults for Mother’s Day by various authors
c.2025, various publishers
$26.99 - $30.00 various page counts
talked to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s mother about nurturing a child’s talents, and Tyra Banks’ mom discusses setting your child up for the future. This is a fun book to read, great for star-watchers, and informative, too. If these books aren’t quite what you want to read, if you need more instruction or more topic-focused books, be sure to ask your favorite bookseller or librarian for help. They’ll have all kinds of suggestions that are perfect for now, for Mother’s Day, for table, sofa or bedside.
Bold fashion, big energy: Memphis celebrates the Met Gala at Brooks Museum watch party
By Ancelious Meeks Special to The Tri-State Defender
The spirit of high fashion and star-studded glamour lit up the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Monday night, where local style aficionados gathered to celebrate one of fashion’s most prestigious nights: The Met Gala. The museum held a watch party gala that also served as the kickoff to its first-ever Memphis Art & Fashion Week, an initiative aimed at blending visual art, design and personal style into a weeklong celebration.
With a red carpet laid across the museum’s floors and the Met’s Costume Institute’s annual exhibit livestreaming on TVs throughout, guests brought their boldest looks and biggest personalities to this lively gathering that proved Memphis knows how to serve a look — and a vibe.
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Tailored for You,” honored and explored the fashion narrative and history of Black dandy style with Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky and Pharrell Williams serving as co-chairs. Inspired by 18th-century dandyism, the gala’s dress code spotlighted tailored suiting and elevated menswear silhouettes, paying tribute to an aesthetic tradition rooted in defiance, elegance and self-definition. The theme’s cultural depth and artistic resonance made this year’s gala more than just the usual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute — it became a reclamation.
The Costume Institute’s Spring Exhibit, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” further emphasized this focus, offering a thoughtful examination of Black sartorial history and creativity.
The Brooks event, hosted by “Design Star: Next Gen” winner Carmeon Hamilton and Colin Chapman, both graduates of the University of Mem-
phis Fashion School, transformed the museum into a runway of local creativity and cultural homage. DJ Strooly spun an eclectic set that kept the energy alive as guests mingled among modern art and ancient sculptures, dressed in everything from couture to subcultural street styles.
“I’m truly excited that Memphis is supporting — or should I say curating — an atmosphere for fashion to really take root and have a presence in this city,” said Hamilton during her welcome remarks. “We get overlooked for a lot of things, and it doesn’t happen unless people that are here are willing to plant the seed and cultivate this environment for an industry to grow. So huge shout out to the Brooks Museum for understanding that in order for the city to be great, the arts have to be great.”
Among the crowd was Frenchie. “Being a Rihanna fan led me to following and falling in love with the Met Gala,” he said with a smile. “I’ve always liked
fashion and ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ is a really good movie that I love. I just feel like with fashion, you get to express yourself in millions of different ways.”
He gave a nod to Anna Wintour, longtime Vogue editor and Met Gala architect: “She’s always changing styles and themes each year, and it kind of keeps people guessing on what to do and what to wear. It seems like people always execute the task.”
While some attendees dressed according to the theme, others displayed their own personal style.
One of the most eye-catching looks of the evening came from Jasmine Stephenson, who wore an electric ensemble categorized as Decora fashion, a colorful, maximalist offshoot of Harajuku style that originated in Tokyo. Adorned with vibrant hair clips, layered accessories, and playful textures, Stephenson turned heads throughout the evening.
“She’s totally Decora,” confirmed guest Erin Lewis, who first got into al-
ternative fashion through pastel-heavy Hawaii fashion before falling in love with Japanese street styles. “It’s really over the top, like tons of stickers and baubles everywhere, very colorful — literally like the biggest outfit you can make. It’s just amazing and super fun.”
Though Stephenson admitted the contrast between her style and the often glamorous Met Gala looks made her “sometimes feel out of place,” she added, “I just have an appreciation for all fashion and it makes me appreciate how it all connects together.”
Also spotted were local fashion duo Jennifer and Ian Hawkins, a momand-son pair, with Ian dressed in an adorable sailor-inspired outfit.
The room buzzed with laughter, admiration and plenty of fashion talk as patrons sipped themed cocktails and debated the best (and most daring) looks from the actual Met Gala in Manhattan.
The Met Gala itself has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1948, when fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert organized the first event at the Waldorf Astoria to raise money for the Costume Institute.
Entry was just $50. Themed galas began in 1973 under the late Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland, and when Anna Wintour took the helm in 1995, the gala evolved into what it is today — a star-studded showcase of creativity and cultural commentary.
As Memphis guests cheered and critiqued celebrity outfits flashing across the big screen, it was clear that the city’s fashion community shared in that global spirit of expression, innovation and flair.
With rhinestones, ruffles and radical style choices filling the museum’s halls, the Brooks Museum’s Art & Fashion Week launched in dramatic, dazzling style — proving that the city is ready to make its mark on the fashion world.
Memphis fashionistas attend the Brooks Museum Met-Gala watch party. (Ancelious Meeks/The Tri-State Defender)
Memphis honors Tom Lee, 100 ■■ NEWS
TSD Newsroom
Memphis is shining a light on Tom Lee, a local and national hero, as it prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lee’s legendary river rescue. Memphis River Parks Partnership invites the community to gather at Cossitt Library at 2 p.m. today for a Tom Lee Day celebration in honor of Lee, whose story continues to inspire generations.
This year’s event marks a special milestone in the ongoing “Tom Lee 100” celebration, a yearlong tribute to the Black man who, despite not being able to swim, rescued 32 people from a capsized steamboat in the mighty Mississippi River on May 8, 1925. One hundred years later, his selfless bravery still ripples through the heart of Memphis.
The afternoon will be filled with stories, creativity and community pride. One of the highlights is the announcement of winners of the fourth annual Tom Lee Poetry Contest, which drew a record 300 submissions from high school students across the city. University of Memphis professor, award-winning author and contest judge Marcus F. Wicker says poetry has a future in the hands of these students.
“This contest is about more than poetry — it’s about keeping Tom Lee’s spirit alive,” said Jasmine Coleman, the Memphis River Parks Partnership’s director of programming and engagement. She sees honoring Tom Lee as an opportunity for others to be inspired by his actions and motivated to become a new generation of heroes in the Memphis community.
Celebration guests will also be treated to the debut of “Shine On: The Story of Tom Lee,” a short film by Last Bite Films that beautifully captures the heroism of that fateful day and the enduring impact of one man’s actions. Last Bite Films also released a film, “ Tom Lee Park: A Riverfront for Everyone,” about the remake of Tom Lee Park that can be viewed on WKNO.
President Calvin Coolidge invited Tom Lee to the White House.
■■ NEWS
Years after his heroic river rescue
“Every year we are so excited to celebrate our ancestor, Tom Lee, and the legacy of love, courage and care for others he left us with. But this year is so special because it’s the 100 year anniversary,.”
— Charmeal Neely-Alexander
Charmeal Neely-Alexander, one of Tom Lee’s descendants, will attend this year’s celebration with family members, along with members of the survivors’ families.
“Every year we are so excited to celebrate our ancestor, Tom Lee, and the legacy of love, courage and care for others he left us with. But this year is so special because it’s the 100 year anniversary,” said Neely-Alexander. “The fact that people are still hearing about what our great uncle did, 100 years later, means his rich legacy will live on, not only in our hearts, but the hearts of our communi-
ty members. We are so excited to see this day and celebrate the extraordinary things this seemingly ordinary man did.”
Art Davis, acting CEO of the Memphis River Parks Partnership, says Tom Lee Day is “the pinnacle” of a year filled with tributes. “We hope our efforts will move our community to draw inspiration from Tom Lee’s courage, generosity and humanity. He inspires us every day at Tom Lee Park.”
The event is free and open to all, but RSVPs via Eventbrite are encouraged. Paid parking is available at Metro 67 (60 Madison Ave.) or Brinkley Plaza (20 Front Street) garages.
The reimagined Tom Lee Park, which bears Lee’s name, is more than the cornerstone of Memphis’ riverfront, the front door to the city. It is a living tribute to a man who changed lives, and a gathering place where courage and kindness take center stage.
For more information, visit: memphisriverparks. org or @memriverparks on Facebook and Instagram.
A sculpture at Tom Lee Park replicates Lee’s heroic night 100 years ago. (Photos: Memphis River Parks Partnership)
Poetry and spoken word contest winners are, from left, Max Clung (1st), Owen McHaney (2nd), Ajada McGowan (3rd) and Rosalind Guy (Mid-South winner) along with contest judge Marcus Wicker.
■■ BUSINESS
Antonio Jones joins Carter Malone Group
TSD Newsroom
Antonio Jones has joined The Carter Malone Group LLC as a graphic designer. Jones brings more than 20 years of experience and a versatile skill set in the visual arts to the Memphis-based public relations and marketing firm.
“We are excited to welcome Antonio Jones to The Carter Malone Group as our new graphic designer. His creativity and fresh perspective will be a tremendous asset to our team and to the clients we serve,” said Deidre Malone, CMG president/CEO. “We look forward to the incredible work he’ll help us deliver.”
Throughout his career, Jones has worked with an array of clients, including Nicki Minaj x LOCI, Invest Fest, Tote and Carry, the University of Memphis, Jackson State University, the City of Jackson and Old Dominick Distillery. Most recently, he served as the senior art director at Redmond Design Service, where he has contributed his creative talents to a variety of high-profile clients.
“I’m thrilled to join The Carter Malone Group as a graphic designer and contribute to a team known for its creativity and impact,” said Jones. “I look forward to bringing fresh ideas and helping our clients tell their stories in powerful and visually compelling ways.”
Jones earned his bachelor of
arts degree in fine arts from LeMoyne-Owen College.
“Antonio Jones brings a unique blend of talent, passion and innovation to our creative team,” said Kim Coleman, CMG vice president of creative services. “I’m excited to work closely with him as we continue to elevate the visual storytelling and design work we provide our clients. His addition strengthens our ability to deliver fresh, cutting-edge creative solutions.”
To learn more about The Carter Malone Group, visit www.CMGPR. com.
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In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis MPO will present the FY 2026-29 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Project List and Public Transit Agency Safety Performance Targets for adoption. Additionally, the MPO will deliver a presentation on the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan, and share any relevant information from the MPO committee or board members and MPO staff.
These documents were made available for review and comment at the MPO’s office and online (memphismpo.org), and written public comments are being accepted through Tuesday, May 12, 2025. The TPB of the Memphis MPO will hold a public hearing to accept oral comments and take action on the proposed items.
The public hearing will take place on:
Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Holiday Inn University of Memphis, 3700 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111
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