At the Los Angeles premiere of Tyler Perry’s latest historical drama, The Six Triple Eight, Big Sean paid heartfelt tribute to his late grandmother, Mildred V. Leonard. Leonard, a trailblazing Black female captain in World War II’s 6888th Battalion, is one of the historical figures spotlighted in Perry’s film.
The movie, which highlights the significant contributions of the all-Black, all-female battalion, is currently playing in select theaters ahead of its Netflix release on December 20. The premiere, held at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on December 3, brought together stars and supporters, including Big Sean, his brother Brett, and their mother, Myra Anderson. The family proudly carried framed photos of Leonard, honouring her legacy.
The Legacy of Mildred V. Leonard
Leonard, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 93, was a member of the groundbreaking 6888th Postal Directory Battalion. The unit was responsible for processing millions of backlogged letters and parcels for troops during the war, connecting soldiers with their loved ones. Despite facing the dual challenges of racism and sexism, the women of the battalion made an indelible mark on American military history.
Leonard was among the first Black female captains in the U.S. Army and posthumously received a Congressional Gold Medal in 2022. Her achievements, along with those of her fellow battalion members, are the focal point of The Six Triple Eight, which stars Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and Ebony Obsidian.
Big Sean’s Emotional Tribute
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet, Big Sean expressed deep gratitude to Tyler Perry for bringing his grandmother’s story to life. “This is such an overlooked but crucial piece of American and Black history,” he shared. “The 6888th Battalion processed over 17 million pieces of mail, reconnecting families and providing hope during a time when communication was scarce.”
The rapper continued, “These women were fighting a war on two fronts: battling segregation and serving their country with immense courage and resilience. My grandmother’s story is not just personal to me; it’s a reminder of the strength and perseverance of all the women in the battalion.”
Reflecting on his grandmother’s influence, Sean added, “I’m so proud of her and all the women who paved the way. Being raised by strong Black women is embedded in my DNA, and I’m forever grateful. Tonight is incredibly emotional for me. My grandma was a remarkable woman.”
The Six Triple Eight: A Celebration of Unsung Heroes
Tyler Perry’s film is a tribute to the women whose contributions have often been overshadowed in mainstream narratives. With The Six Triple Eight, Perry continues to explore untold stories of Black history, ensuring that these trailblazers receive the recognition they deserve. For families like Big Sean’s, the film is more than a historical drama; it’s a personal celebration of legacy and resilience.
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