Black female to lead US Naval Academy's brigade for first time

Courtesy: US Naval Academy

The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis has announced that a Black female midshipman will be the brigade commander for the first time.

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The academy's commandant said Monday that Midshipman 1st Class Sydney Barber will be the commander for the spring semester.

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Brigade commander is the highest leadership position within the academy's student body. The semester-long position is selected through an application and interview process by senior leadership and the commandant's staff.

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Barber is from Lake Forest, Illinois. She is the 16th woman selected for brigade commander. The first female brigade commander was Julianna Galiana. She served in the position in 1991.

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