Sarah Jeffery plays Dolores Washington in The Six Triple Eight. The movie, which was inspired by the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas in WWII, is currently streaming on Netflix.

Despite facing racism and sexism – and grueling working conditions – they were committed to serving their country with honor and distinction. Given an extraordinary mission and united in their determination, these unsung heroes delivered hope and shattered barriers. Written and directed by Tyler Perry, the film stars Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams, the commanding officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

I had the chance to ask the actress about how the project changed her life, her first time doing a period piece, what kind of research she did, her character’s wardrobe, and more. Keep reading for everything she shared!

What sticks with you about your experience working on The Six Triple Eight?
Sarah Jeffery: So much. Everything, really. The biggest thing is that we got to honor these incredible women and give them their long overdue flowers, but also, I now have sisters for life in my cast mates. We very much bonded over this beautiful task we were given. 

This is such an incredibly powerful story and it’s hard not to feel inspired by these strong women. Did this role give you any sort of new outlook on yourself or life?
It absolutely did. As a biracial woman, my journey in honoring my Blackness has been a long and complicated one. I grew up in a community where the only Black people I knew were my dad and one friend. At the best of times, I certainly didn’t see people who looked like me and at the worst of times, my differences were pointed out in the cruel way that kids often do. All that to say, these past few years I’ve come a long way in exploring and celebrating my Blackness. Having Tyler cast me in this and having my biracial character, Dolores, so proud of her Blackness, gave me permission to do the same in my own life. It’s something I will forever cherish. It’s changed my life. 

What is your favorite aspect of doing a period piece?
This was my first time doing a period piece and I can say I am now absolutely obsessed. I have always loved telling stories of any kind, but there’s a special kind of magic when you get to transport to another time, another era, where things, people, clothes, music, and everything was so different. It was an immersive experience, much thanks to all the incredible departments on the film. I felt transported. It was magical. 

Why do you think it’s necessary to tell stories like this one? 
I think it’s beyond a shame that stories such as these were buried, but it’s certainly better late than never. We still live in a world with much ignorance and I have to believe that telling stories like 6888 helps to combat that ignorance. Art has the ability to educate and to even change minds. That’s why it’s necessary. 

What research did you do to prepare?
I tried to get my hands on as much archival footage and primary sources as I could. In that way, the internet can definitely be a useful tool! I also relied on the professionals we had on the crew. Our military advisor, our wardrobe department, our choreographer (the iconic Ms Debbie Allen), and of course, Tyler. We even got to speak to the real Lena Derricott Bell King on a group Zoom, which was truly a remarkable and emotional experience. I just tried to center these women in the work, always.

What is one smaller detail that helped inform the way you portrayed your character?
I would say everything about the wardrobe helped immensely. Everything was an authentic replica, down to the socks and undergarments. The pieces and the uniforms were certainly not comfortable and it reminded me of what it would have been like for the ladies in the battalion. I snuck a pair of the socks home and cherish them!

What do you hope audiences learn from The Six Triple Eight?
I hope they learn and remember that Black women have long been the backbone of this country. In this most recent election, statistics show they showed up, more than any other group, to vote — and they were let down again. So I really want people to give Black women their flowers, and the respect and credit they deserve.