Craig Bill Celebrates Preservation of Black History

This week, state Senator Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus) celebrated the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 17, his legislation with Senator Michele Reynolds (R- Canal Winchester) to designate March 9 as “6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day” in Ohio.

“This designation not only honors their service and sacrifice but also affirms Ohio’s commitment to preserving and uplifting Black history as an essential part of our nation’s shared story,” said Craig. “The 6888th Battalion’s efforts reestablished the flow of communication and ensured morale among our servicemembers remained high during a critical time for the Allied powers, which proved vital to the defeat of the Nazis.”

The 6888th served overseas during World War II, the only unit made up of women of color within the Women's Army Corps to do so. They were tasked with processing approximately 17 million backlogged letters and packages for American servicemembers.

Senate Bill 17 was enacted and signed into law by Governor DeWine after unanimously passing out of both chambers.