It’s 2020 and we are still breaking barriers. For the first time in the 175 -year history of the US Naval Academy, they have never had a Black Female leader. Until now. Come spring semester, Midshipman First Class Sydney Barber will take charge as brigade commander.
“I am humbled to play a small role in this momentous season of American history,” she added.
Sydney Barber
Midshipman Barber will be the 16th woman selected for brigade commander in the 44 years since Congress began allowing women to enroll in the service academies. The first was Juliane Gallina, who led the brigade in the fall of 1991, at a time when women were still prohibited from flying warplanes or serving on warships at sea. School records show Ms. Gallina retired from the Navy as a commander.
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in a statement she said, “Earning the title of brigade commander speaks volumes, but the title itself is not nearly as significant as the opportunity it brings to lead a team in doing something I believe will be truly special.” We are extremely proud to have another first to celebrate. We hear THAT girl!
