31-01-2025
WWII movie shares story of Dayton's Charity Adams Earley
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — A piece of local history is getting national attention after receiving an Oscar nomination for best original song.
At the end of 2024, Netflix released 'The Six Triple Eight,' shedding light on the remarkable story of America's first all Black female army unit. Created by Tyler Perry, the film tells the story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, and their contributions during World War II.
Oscar nomination for Netflix movie about Dayton woman
The film hits home for the Miami Valley, as it directly focuses on Charity Adams Earley from Dayton — a trailblazer for the 6888 who broke barriers then, and now.
'The scene on the airplane means a lot to me,' said Stanley Earley III, Charity's son. 'It's not a big scene in regard to the movie but one of my earliest memories about my mother talking about the 6888, she talks about being on the plane.'
Adams Earley was the first African American woman to be an officer in the Women's Auxiliary Corps. The battalion deployed overseas during WWII, tasked with clearing a massive backlog of undelivered mail to boost the morale of U.S. soldiers.
The battalion completed the mission with remarkable efficiency despite facing racism and sexism.
And Adams Earley's influence isn't just historical — it's personal.
Her children speak of a mother who was always prepared, always strong and always ready to lead by example.
'She believed in getting things done, don't put them off, don't procrastinate,' said Judith Earley, Charity's daughter.
VA women's clinic renamed to honor WWII Veteran Charity Adams Earley
Her son tells us she did so much more than she's accredited for.
'She was involved in the school desegregation issues,' said Stanley Earley. 'And in Dayton, she was on the chair of the housing authority. She was on the national board of the Red Cross. She was involved in so many different organizations.'
And Adams Earley continues to be recognized. The Dayton VA Medical Center named their women's clinic after her.
And her legacy is carried forward by the young women at the Charity Adams Earley Girls Academy in Dayton.
'We have a statement that we say: once an Earley girl, always an Earley girl,' said Karla Goins, academy principal. 'It's a term of endearment that we call our students.'
At the academy, young women are taught the same lessons that Adams Earley preached: never let obstacles stop you, always lift up others and above all, keep pushing forward.
'Everyday I learn a little bit more about her that I didn't know,' said Judith Earley. 'And I start to appreciate how other people view her.'
Family and school officials say her legacy isn't just about the past — it's about shaping the future, one leader at a time.
'The Six Triple Eight' is available to watch on Netflix.
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