York Alumna and WWII Heroine Madeleine C. Roach Honored in Women's History Tribute

York College’s Department of History, Philosophy and Anthropology marked Women’s History Month with a poignant program recently, celebrating the life and legacy of alumna and World War II veteran Madeleine C. Roach, a member of the legendary 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

Held in the Africana Resource Center, the event, titled “An Evening Remembering Madeleine C. Roach,” drew faculty, students and staff to reflect on Roach’s role in both world history and the history of York College itself.

Patricia Haggler, Ph.D., chair of the Department of History, Philosophy and Anthropology, opened the evening by emphasizing the importance of shining a light on overlooked figures like Roach and her fellow battalion members.

“Tonight is one of those untold stories – not only of the 6888th, but of a graduate of York who helped shape our institution,” Haggler said.

Roach served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion deployed overseas during World War II. Stationed in England and later France, the “Six Triple Eight” was tasked with clearing a massive backlog of mail for American service members, boosting morale on the front lines. Their story has recently gained wider attention, including a feature film project by Tyler Perry.

Dean George White, who hosted the program, opened with a presentation of photographs and historical background on the battalion, underscoring its broader meaning.

“We have these stories of Madeline Roach and the 6888 to remind us of what’s true,” White said, noting that their service challenged both racism and sexism in the armed forces while providing a vital wartime service.

The commemoration grew out of York President Claudia Schrader’s visit in January to meet Roach’s daughter, Afi Phoebe, who contacted York College to share her mother’s story and her extensive collection of artifacts, letters and photographs.

“Madeline was also a part of our history because she fought to keep York alive,” said President Schrader, who noted Mrs. Roach’s advocacy in Jamaica Queens at a time when the college’s future was uncertain.

The college is now exploring ways to preserve and share Roach’s materials. White said York is seeking discretionary funding from elected officials to support the conservation of her letters, photos and memorabilia, and to create a dedicated space in the library in her honor.

“It is an incredible history,” he noted. “These items don’t just tell us about one woman’s life; they illuminate the experiences of Black women in uniform, and the history of York College itself.”

Ms. Phoebe, wearing a t-shirt with the image of mother in uniform and the 6888 Battalion on the back, spoke fondly about her mother and father’s meeting, wedding and raising of her and her sister in Jamaica, Queens.

The evening concluded with a dramatic reading titled “Love Letters,” featuring correspondence between Madeleine and her husband, John Roach read by Professors Andrew “Sekou” Jackson and Lindamichelle Baron.

The celebration of women in the armed forces continued beyond York’s campus. On Sunday, State Sen. James Sanders Jr., in conjunction with the Rochdale Village Community Relations Committee, hosted another event honoring more than 15 women veterans, further anchoring Roach’s story within a broader effort to recognize women’s military service in Queens and beyond.