Naval Academy Selects First Black Woman To Lead Student Body

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The U.S. Naval Academy selected its first ever Black woman to lead a brigade of midshipmen. The service academy announced the decision last Friday, declaring Sydney Barber the brigade commander.

The brigade is the school's student body. As commander, Barber will lead all midshipmen.

Barber is a senior, or first-class, midshipman from Lake Forest, Illinois. She will serve a one-semester term, starting this.

"Earning the title of brigade commander speaks volumes," Barber said in a press release. "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."

The Naval Academy first accepted female midshipmen in 1976. Barber will be the 16th woman selected to head the brigade. She was chosen through an application and interview process.

After graduation, Barber hopes to be a ground officer in the Marine Corps. Barber caught eyes this year as a finalist for the Truman Scholarship, a selective graduate school fellowship for students pursuing a career in public service.

Along with interning at the Department of Energy and participating in several extracurriculars, Barber also focuses on equity. She has researched legislative solutions to educational disparities in minority communities. Barber also created a group that mentors middle school girls of color.

"I am humbled to play a small role in this momentous season of American history," Barber said. "I owe everything to every person who paved the way for me, so I now pour my heart and soul into blazing the trail for the generations to come."

Barber's appointment moved Janie Mines, the Naval Academy's first Black female graduate. Mines, who graduated in 1980, shared a picture of Barber on LinkedIn, commenting on the school's progress.

"40 years later, Sydney, you did it," Mines wrote. "You are my wildest dream. Thank you for all the hard work. So well deserved. "

Barber will succeed current Brigade Commander Ryan Chapman.

"She is a catalyst for action, a visionary, a listener, a doer," Chapman said. "Sydney is the perfect person to lead the brigade."

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