Standing on the STRONG Shoulders of SHEROES! A "Dr. Eurydice" Women's History Event at the Women's Memorial (3/29/16) from 12:00-1:00 TODAY!

Women's History Event!  If you're in the Washington DC area today (3/29/16), please join me at the Women's Memorial (WIMSA) for a "Lunch & Learn" from 12:00-1:00!

Lunch & Learn with Dr. Eurydice: “Standing on the STRONG Shoulders of SHEroes” Honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and My Mentor, Ms. Alyce Dixon (1907-2016) The Nation’s Former Oldest Living Female World War II Veteran

Tuesday, March 29th 2016, 12:00-1:00 Women in Military Service for America (WIMSA)

Presented by Dr. Eurydice Stanley, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), Founder, The Transition Foundation

OVERVIEW:  The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the only all African American, all woman unit to serve during World War II, representing the first brave enough to enlist in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC, later WAC) after racial and gender barriers were lifted in 1942. At that time, women served to “release a man to fight.”  Iconic symbols such as “Rosie the Riveter” showcased America’s need of women for the war effort, as female munitions volunteers removed men from factories and sent them to the front lines.  No one, however, predicted women’s success, or the challenge of trying to force women to return to serve as homemakers after making such key contributions.  A key distinction between African American and Caucasian women during that era was that the majority of African American women were already in the workplace, often limited to domestic roles due to racism, discrimination and segregation.

The 6888th deployed to help reduce a severe backlog of more than 7 million pieces of mail, impacting Soldier morale.   The backlog served as an opportunity for the battalion to be deployed, championed by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary McCleod Bethune, Founder of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the NAACP.  Upon arrival, Battalion Commander Major Charity Adams, the first African American woman promoted to her rank, created a plan of 24 hour operations with two 12-hour shifts to resolve the backlog of (often) improperly addressed mail infested with rats and vermin due to rotting food that sat for months in the undelivered care packages.  Letters would often read, “To Junior,” requiring the 6888th Soldiers to become investigators to determine the desired recipient.  Ultimately, all of the mail was either delivered or returned to sender if the recipient was deceased well prior to their allotted time.

While deployed, the 6888th endured racism and segregation daily, but remained dedicated and diligent.  For example, the USO, a place of refuge of Soldiers, was segregated.  Undaunted, my mentor, former Specialist Alyce Dixon said, “I went in there anyway!” Major Adams created her own “USO” for her Soldiers, showing her care and responsiveness as a leader.  Despite their tireless effort and dedication, the 6888th received little recognition from the military when they returned to the states.  Dr. Brenda Moore’s book, “To Serve My Country, to Serve My Race” shared the 6888th story in 1996.  In 2009, they were recognized at WIMSA, nearly 60 years after their Service!  It was there that I met Ms. Alyce Dixon, who was 102 years-young at the time and larger than life, joined by Mary Ragland and Gladys Carter, the only 3 members able to attend the event.  Ms. Alyce remained my “Womentor,” and I was blessed to spend last Christmas with her before she passed away in January 27, 2016. Ms. Alyce said the secret to long life is “caring and sharing.” She definitely “Lived Life Intentionally!”  This presentation is given in honor of her and the 6888th in the hopes that their efforts are known, honored and never forgotten! The 6888th kicked open the door of opportunity for myself and the countless women who have served this country, especially women of color.  We stand proudly on their shoulders...SERVE IN EXCELLENCE!   

Dr. Eurydice Stanley is an International Motivational Speaker, Author, Human Relations Trainer and Leadership Coach.  Bring her to your next event! www.dreurydice.com  @dreurydice  [email protected] Facebook: Dr. Eurydice