Sarah Jeffery: Honoring History and Embracing Identity through The Six Triple Eight

The zoom screen glimmered with energy as I sat across from Sarah Jeffery, her vibrant words transforming our conversation into a heartfelt exploration of identity and artistry. I started off our conversation with asking why The Six Triple Eight held such deep significance, Sarah’s response was as passionate as it was candid.

The Legacy of the 6888 Battalion

“First and foremost, the fact that I’m able to give these ladies their flowers and be a part of that is what makes it really so much of an honor,” Sarah began, her voice steady with reverence. “They did not get the accolades, the respect, and the recognition that they deserved at the time. And while it should have been then, it’s better late than never.”

When Sarah first encountered the story, she was astonished by its historical depth. “Initially, I was like, ‘Oh, this must be fictional.’ And as I read on, I was shocked to hear that this was a piece of history I didn’t know about—and that everyone around me didn’t know about,” she said, her disbelief still palpable. The realization that such an extraordinary story had been overlooked only strengthened her commitment to bringing these women’s experiences to light.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was a trailblazing group of Black women who served during World War II, charged with clearing a massive backlog of undelivered mail for U.S. soldiers. Despite their pivotal role in boosting morale, the women of the 6888 received little recognition at the time. 

For Sarah, portraying Dolores Washington, a member of this groundbreaking battalion, was more than a career milestone—it was a chance to honor these unsung heroes.

A Personal Awakening

For Sarah, this role transcended acting—it became a deeply personal journey. Playing Dolores offered her a platform to explore and embrace her own biracial identity, a topic she approached with vulnerability and candor.

“I’ve struggled with feeling as though I’m not Black enough and not white enough,” she admitted. “My experiences as a biracial individual have been unique and filled with their own challenges.” Yet through Dolores, Sarah found a sense of belonging.

Dolores’ journey mirrors Sarah’s in many ways. In one pivotal scene, Dolores is mistaken for white by a fellow soldier and proudly asserts her identity, declaring, “I am a Negro.” Reflecting on that moment, Sarah said, “That was so powerful for me, as Sarah Jeffery, to realize I am allowed to own that, and no one can take it away from me.”

Stepping into Dolores’ shoes was both “cathartic” and “liberating” for Sarah, who described the experience as a celebration of her Black heritage. “Dolores taught me to embrace my identity fully and unapologetically,” she shared, her voice tinged with pride.

The Power of Representation

Sarah’s passion for this project is rooted in its broader implications for representation in media. “Growing up in Vancouver, my dad and one friend were the only Black people I knew,” she recalled. “There was no real Black community there. I would have wanted my younger self to have access to stories like these. To see just the variety of Black women that exist and to know that my experience is valid.”

For Sarah, The Six Triple Eight is not just a film—it’s a moment to elevate voices that have long been silenced. “Representation isn’t just about visibility; it’s about rewriting narratives that have been erased or marginalized for too long,” she explained. “It’s about creating connections and fostering empathy.”

Her commitment to diversity extends beyond this film. “Getting to be a part of projects that are not only women-centric but women-of-color-centric is everything. It’s how I want to continue in this industry, whether I’m in front of the camera or behind it—lifting up Black women and their stories.”

A Call to Action

When asked what she hopes viewers, particularly young women, take away from the film, Sarah’s response was deeply personal and resonant. “I hope they see the incredible variety of Black women that exist and know their experiences are valid,” she said. “As evidenced by my character Dolores, I have every right to claim my identity, to be proud of it, and to explore it—because it is part of who I am. And why shouldn’t I?”

Her reflections extended beyond the personal to the collective. “Black women showed up to vote more than any other demographic in this election,” she pointed out. “And they were let down. I just want us—more pertinent in the U.S., but worldwide—to acknowledge that Black women do so much. They don’t get the flowers they deserve. This movie is a moment to do that, for the Black women of the past, but also to bring that love and respect into the present.”

Honoring History, Embracing Identity

As our conversation drew to a close, Sarah reflected on the profound responsibility of telling Dolores’ story. “My process throughout filming was just to keep coming back to the fact that I am here to honor the women,” she explained. “In a time where there was even more oppression and racism, I wanted to give her the flowers of ‘I see you, and I appreciate you.’ That sums it up. I see you.”

Sarah also extended her gratitude to Tyler Perry, the visionary behind The Six Triple Eight. “Working with Tyler was incredible,” she shared. “His dedication to bringing untold stories of Black women to the forefront is unmatched. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of a project that reflects his commitment to honoring our history and lifting up voices that deserve to be heard.”

Through her portrayal of Dolores, Sarah Jeffery not only illuminates a piece of overlooked history but also embraces her own story—an intersection of identity, heritage, and empowerment. By honoring the women of the 6888, she ensures that their voices, and her own, resonate far beyond the screen.

Editorial Photography Credit: Jared Trevino