From Broadway to the Big screen Shanice Shantay is captivating the world of Entertainment in new movie The Six Triple Eight. Originally from New Jersey, Shantay who now calls Chattanooga home talks with Power94 about bringing history to life in new role, faith, authenticity, and future aspirations.
The war film, written and directed by Tyler Perry, is based on the true story of the only Women’s Army Corps unit composed entirely of women of color—the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This battalion served during World War II and was responsible for sorting through the U.S. Army’s massive backlog of undelivered mail in Europe.
A story Shantay says is just one of many left out of school history books. “These are black women who brought so much morale during World War Two and were a big part of world history,” she reflects.
The group faced a daunting task of sorting through millions of pieces of letters and packages, some of which did not have the need information to be sent to the correct person or soldier.
“ What they did is Wow, because you text your mother or you text your family, right? Say you don’t hear back from them within an hour, and you calling them and you like, you start panicking, right? But now let’s say that you went into war to fight for those exact people, right? Haven’t heard from them for two years… Like, what? What makes you want to keep fighting?” Shantay says.
The battalion, given an expected timeline of six months, remarkably completed their task in just three months, serving as a crucial lifeline between soldiers on the front lines and their loved ones back home.
In film Shantay plays the beautiful Johnny Mae who just happens to be a fiery, witty, passionate, and unapologetic soldier in the battalion. She has become a fan favorite.
Shantay explains that the character was inspired by accounts of a real-life “firecracker” among the Six Triple Eight members.
Shantay explains “There is some roles that you read and you’re like, Okay, I’m gonna do my research on these women’s stories, but I know I can bring this character to life. And she excited me when I read it. I was laughing to myself as I read the script the first time, I’m like, this girl is hilarious.”
Though Shantay admits Johnnie May’s personality is different from hers, she was able to captivate the resilience and unfiltered nature which was crucial in honoring the experiences of the battalion.
“I wanted it to be real and natural, because again, like these are women who stepped up to the plate,” she says.
Shantay emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity, sharing how her faith journey has shaped her sense of self. This authenticity shines through Shantae’s portrayal of Johnny Mae.
“You know, my character went through maybe domestic violence at home, not being able to find work because of the color skin. And she’s like, well, it wasn’t anything else for me to do. So here I am, and she stepped up to the plate, and she became a hero.” Says Shantay.
The actress admits she was not familiar with the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion story before accepting the role but was deeply moved by the opportunity to bring this forgotten history to light. Shantay shares by studying the story of the women, it gave her the opportunity to learn more about the basis of what they did and how to help bring her character Johnnie Mae to life.
“These are black women who brought so much morale during World War Two and were a big part of world history,” she reflects. “We knew the task at hand – to simply tell these women’s stories and make an impact.” Shantay says.
Beyond the screen, faith and spiritual growth have been instrumental in both Shantay’s personal and professional life. As 2025 begins, she attributes her success today to having a relationship with God. Her faith serves as a fulfilling commitment that has made a way for recent accomplishments and optimism for the future.
Initially unsure about the response the film would get, Shanice Shantay beams with gratitude at the mission accomplished not only in portraying soldier Johnny Mae, but the overall success and impact the film has had. This undeniably proved her to be a rising star to look out for.
“The way people are loving this movie, like they’re learning exactly what we wanted to do was just simply tell these women’s stories and make an impact. It’s happening. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Do people love Johnny Mayday, they do, but people are also, like, in love with this story, and I’m just like, mission accomplished.” Say Shanice Shantay.
When asked about the positive reception and impact the film has received, Shantay Jokingly says “ I’ve done my duty to my country.”
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