Big Sean has a special connection to the upcoming Tyler Perry film, The Six Triple Eight.
The rapper attended the world premiere of the war drama on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, along with his mother Myra Anderson to honor his grandmother, Mildred Leonard.
Leonard was a member of the real “Six Triple Eight” — the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas in WWII.
At the premiere, Big Sean and his mom held photographs of Leonard and posed in front of a list of those who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
“She was one of the first female Black captains of The Six Triple Eight and she was just incredible. We’re extremely honored, extremely excited and just happy to be celebrating her,” Big Sean said on the red carpet. “This is true American history and Black history.”
Related: Kerry Washington Leads All-Black Women’s Army Corps in ‘Six Triple Eight’ Trailer
Nicknamed “The Six Triple Eight,” the group joined the war effort to address a three-year backlog of mail. Despite dealing with racism, sexism, and grueling working conditions, the women were committed to serving their country, while shattering barriers in the process.
Perry’s film is based on an article by Kevin M. Hymel, published by the Army Historical Foundation.
Kerry Washington leads the cast as Major Charity Adams, commanding officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory.
Washington, who is also one of the producers of The Six Triple Eight, walked the red carpet wearing a coral-colored Prada gown with a boat neckline and shimmering metallic silver embellishments on the fabric.
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey was on the red carpet Tuesday wearing an all-black suit and posed with Perry, Washington, and producer Nicole Avant.
Winfrey has a role in the film alongside Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Shanice Shantay, and Jeanté Godlock.
Other notable guests at the premiere included Tina Knowles, George Lucas, Vivica A. Fox, and Loni Love.
The Six Triple Eight arrives in select theaters this Friday and on Netflix Dec. 20.
