Retired U.S. Army Col. Edna W. Cummings will speak at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on Thursday, May 8, at noon. In her lecture, Cummings will discuss her memoir, “A Soldier’s Life: A Black Woman’s Rise from Army Brat to Six Triple Eight Champion,” which chronicles her path from a military childhood to leadership roles in the Army and beyond.

Her memoir also highlights the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the Six Triple Eight, a trailblazing African American women’s unit during World War II. Thanks to Cummings’s efforts, the unit was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022, becoming the only women’s unit to receive the prestigious honor.

The Six Triple Eight is now the subject of a Netflix film and an upcoming Broadway musical. Cummings’s advocacy has helped preserve their legacy and secure recognition for their contributions.

In addition to sharing her own story, Cummings will discuss her work to honor the women of the Six Triple Eight, overcoming challenges for both herself and those who came before.

Reflecting on her journey, she said, “The odds ain’t good, but good stuff happens.”

Cummings, a Washington, D.C., metro area-based consultant, will also offer signed copies of her book for sale at the event. Tickets are required for in-person attendance, but the lecture will also be streamed live on YouTube and Facebook.