‘A Soldier’s Life’ writer and 6888 champion set to give author’s talk at Lewis Museum

One-time Monthly Annually

One-time

$9

$20

$90

Other Donation amount

$

Monthly

$7

$15

$30

Other Donation amount per month

$

Annually

$84

$180

$360

Other Donation amount per year

$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Donate Now

By Alexis LaRue
AFRO Intern
alarue@afro.com

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum will host an author talk at 1 p.m. on March 7 as part of its Women’s History Month program. The event will feature Army Col. (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings, who was instrumental in the legislative efforts that led to the enactment of the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021.

The public is invited to join a conversation with Cummings about her personal military journey and her successful efforts to honor her predecessors, the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (Six Triple Eight), during Woman’s History Month. Using her memoir, she will discuss her leadership roles both during and after her time in the Army, share the story of the Six Triple Eight and how she continues to honor its legacy.

The event will include discussions with descendants of the women who served in the 6888th. Participants will include Janice Martin, daughter of Indiana Hunt-Martin; Karen Taylor, daughter of Vivian Elzie Taylor; and Dennis Miller, grandson of Sylvia Benton. 

The event will also feature a family table display showcasing personal items from the lives of the women who served. Information will also be provided by the Maryland’s Department of Veterans and Military Families and the National Association for Black Women Veterans.

Dr. Constance Harris, from the University of Baltimore, will conclude the event by moderating a discussion about Cummings’ book, emphasizing its significance during Women’s History Month. Following the talk, Cummings will also close the event with a book signing, continuing to advocate for the women of the Six Triple Eight with her works. 

According to Terry Taylor-Nock, the education programs manager at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, March 9 – two days after the event – is designated as “6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day” in Maryland. The day was established by Gov. Wes Moore (D) to honor the only all-Black, all-female unit deployed overseas during WWII and their success in clearing massive mail backlogs in Europe.