In April 2025, LPGA Hall of Fame Coach Gladys Lee gifted golf clubs and mentorship to the Little Miss 6888th Historians at New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. This gesture preceded the girls’ invitation by the Congress of the United states to journey to Washington, D.C., for the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—the only all-Black, all-female unit deployed overseas during World War II.
Coach Lee, a trailblazer in golf and advocate for youth empowerment, aims to teach these young historians the game’s values through her Roaring Lambs International Junior Golf Academy and the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program. Additionally, two members of the group will contribute to the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress by submitting oral histories of Black women veterans, ensuring their legacies are preserved for future generations.
Gladys Lee’s remarkable gesture not only provided golf equipment but also opened doors to a deeper understanding of history, discipline, and opportunity. Known for her lifelong advocacy for youth development through sports, Coach Lee recognized the unique potential of these young girls, who call themselves the Little Miss 6888th Historians. With her gift, she bridged two important legacies—African American women in military history and the long-overlooked contributions of Black women in golf.
The timing of this contribution was especially significant. The girls are preparing to attend a historic Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in Washington, D.C., honoring the 6888th Battalion. This unit processed millions of pieces of mail during World War II under incredibly difficult conditions and remains a shining example of resilience and dedication. By aligning her gift with their journey, Coach Lee emphasized how sports and history can work together to empower the next generation.
The girls’ involvement in the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress further amplifies the impact of this initiative. By collecting and submitting oral histories of African American women veterans, they are becoming historians in action—documenting stories that have too often been left untold.
Coach Lee’s Roaring Lambs International Junior Golf Academy and her involvement in the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program continue to serve as national models for youth engagement, particularly among girls of color. Her mentorship provides more than just golf lessons; it offers life lessons, access to broader cultural experiences, and the encouragement to dream beyond boundaries.
Through her gift and guidance, Coach Gladys Lee ensures that the legacies of courage, service, and excellence—whether on the battlefield or the fairway—are not only remembered but lived by a new generation. In doing so, she’s shaping more than just golfers; she’s shaping future leaders and storytellers. READ THE ENTIRE BLOG HERE
