Actor Kerry Washington visited with Anna Mae Robertson at her home on Sunday, October 27th during her visit to Milwaukee. Anna Mae Robertson is one the last living Soldiers of the historic 6888 Postal Battalion in World War II…which is the first, last and only all Black female unit in military history. While Mrs. Robertson was all smiles, Kerry Washington became overwhelmed with emotion after meeting her. I asked Kerry if she was alright. Kerry said, “It was just so emotional meeting her and thinking about all that she and the others had to go through.” Out of approximately 850 black women who served in this unit, only 2 are known to still be alive today. Upon becoming aware that Mrs. Robertson lived in Milwaukee, Kerry Washington adjusted her schedule to visit her. Kerry Washington will be starring in a movie by Tyler Perry commemorating the legacy of the 6888 Postal Battalion in World War II. This movie is scheduled to be released on Netflix this month (December 2024). I, Darrell Williams, was honored to work with the Robertson family, the Kerry Washington team, Michelle Bryant, Martha Collins and Stephanie Butler to coordinate this historic and emotional visit. A special thanks goes to Mrs. Anna Mae Robertson and her family for accommodating us on such short notice and welcoming us into your home for the visit. Anna Mae Robertson is truly a living legend and a national treasure who still lives among us today! Please be on the lookout for the article about this American (S)Hero in the UMOJA Black History Issue in February 2025.
Rust College graduate and 30 year educational administrator, Dr. Darrell L. Williams currently serves as Assistant State Superintendent of the Division of Libraries and Technology in the Wis-consin Department of Public Instruction by direct appointment of Dr. Jill Underly, the Wisconsin State Superintendent. Previously, he was appointed by Governor Tony Evers as the Administra-tor of the Division of Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM). WEM is the lead state agen-cy charged with coordinating the state’s efforts for all natural and man-caused disasters and served as the heartbeat of the COVID-19 response and civil unrest efforts throughout Wiscon-sin. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Williams served as the Interim Superintendent of Schools in Beloit, WI where he worked collaboratively to implement the District-Wide Early Childhood Lit-eracy Initiative and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Initiative to improve literacy skills and increase student achievement in Rock County. As well, he previously served as “Turn Around” Principal in Milwaukee Public Schools. In recognition of his efforts, he was recognized as the 2017 UAW Local 95 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Service Award honoree and the 2013 National Principal of the Year honoree from the National Alliance of Black School Educators. In addition to his civilian career, Dr. Williams (Major-Retired) served for 29 years in the United States Army, which included combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan where he was awarded several decorations for his military service—including the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal.
He is a member of the Montfort Point Marines Beloit-Rockford Chapter #41, and member of the National Association of Black Veterans. He is also a life member of Omega Psi Phi Frater-nity, Inc.
