By Black Texans, Inc.
On the solemn afternoon of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas, in partnership with The Texas 6888th Venture, will host a commemorative ceremony on the MLK Stone of Hope Memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor the eightieth anniversary of the tragic lack of three courageous members of the historic 6888th Central Postal Listing Battalion.
Of the 855 pioneering Black ladies who served in the one all-female, all-Black battalion to be deployed abroad throughout World Conflict II, three troopers—Non-public Mary Bankston, Non-public Mary J. Barlow, and Sergeant Dolores M. Browne—paid the final word sacrifice whereas serving in Rouen, France. On July 8, 1945, their lives have been minimize brief in a automobile accident whereas on obligation. At present, they relaxation collectively within the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Seaside in Normandy, France—a testomony to their braveness, dedication, and contribution to democracy.
Non-public Mary Bankston, of Michigan, was remembered for her quiet power and sense of obligation. A faithful daughter and sister, she noticed service within the 6888th as a technique to characterize her household, race, and nation throughout probably the most defining moments in world historical past.
Non-public Mary J. Barlow, hailing from New Jersey, introduced a spirit of pleasure and resilience to the unit. Recognized for her kindness and organizational ability, she performed a significant function in sorting and delivering the mountains of mail that reconnected troopers with their family members again residence.
Sergeant Dolores M. Browne, a proud Philadelphian and a revered chief amongst her friends, was identified for her sharp mind and unwavering self-discipline. She led with grace, making certain that the mission of the 6888th was completed with excellence beneath nice strain and adversity.
The Little Miss 6888th Historians, a youth storytelling initiative born from the Texas 6888th Venture, will assist hold the reminiscence of those three ladies alive. These younger women, educated in public historical past and efficiency, will recite their tales at faculties, libraries, church buildings, and civic ceremonies throughout Texas and past. By placing faces and tales to the names etched in historical past, the Little Miss 6888th Historians be certain that the contributions of those ladies are by no means forgotten—and that future generations inherit the spirit of service, excellence, and resilience they embodied.
The religious coronary heart of the ceremony will probably be led by Minister Derrick Johnson, a gifted vocalist and proprietor of DJ’s Singing Doves of Fort Price, Texas. Minister Johnson, a member of Candy Residence Missionary Baptist Church and the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas, will function Minister of the Hour, conducting the sacred Launch of Three Doves—symbolizing the souls of Bankston, Barlow, and Browne withdrawing into everlasting peace. His presence and track will assist elevate the spirits of all gathered as heaven and earth meet in remembrance.
As we collect, we are going to sing, we are going to pray, and we are going to keep in mind—not simply the sacrifice of those three, however the legacy of all the ladies of the 6888th who served with valor and distinction. Throughout this ceremony, we are going to formally declare July 8, 2025, as 6888th Day in Texas, and encourage the nation—and the world—to hitch us in honoring their legacy.
For extra info, please contact:
Pastor Kyev P. Tatum
Telephone: 817-966-7625
E mail: kptstum1@gmail.com
Web site: www.newmountrose.com
Zelle Donations: newmountrose.com
