For the first time in history, a Black woman will lead the U.S. Naval Academy’s study body as the brigade commander.

The Denver Channel reports that the semester-long commitment is the highest leadership rank bestowed upon a student. Midshipman 1st Class Sydney Barber, a mechanical engineering major from Illinois, will hold the position in the upcoming spring semester.

“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,” Barber said. “I am humbled to play a small role in this momentous season of American history.”

Barber will be the 16th woman honored as a brigade commander in the 44 years women have been allowed to attend the Naval Academy, according to CNN.

Janie Mines, who became the first Black woman to graduate from the Naval Academy in 1980, shared her excitement for Barber's opportunity on social media.

"This bought me to tears. This young woman, Midshipman Sydney Barber, will be the first Black Female Brigade Commander at the US Naval Academy. 40 years later. Thank you Sydney! Love you!" Mines wrote.

In July, Madeline Swegle of Virginia made history by earning her wings as the first Black woman to become a fighter jet pilot in the U.S. Navy.

As Blavity previously
reported, Swegle graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2017 and completed tactical air pilot training this past summer at Naval Air Station in Texas. She is now certified to operate jets like the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.

Vice president-elect Kamala Harris was one of many people celebrating Swegle’s historic accomplishment.

"Congratulations, Lt. j.g. Madeline Swegle! You’re paving the way for young girls everywhere," she wrote.

In 1980, Brenda E. Robinson became the first Black female pilot ever to fly in the Navy, according to Stars And Stripes. U.S. Sen. Martha McSally later would become the first woman to fly in combat in any American military branch in 1995.

In 2018, the Navy faced backlash for an incident involving two Black pilots. Two men said they were kicked out of a tactical air training program due to prejudice and given derogatory call signs, according to Stars and Stripes. The Navy’s investigation concluded that the pilots were denied respect and dignity from their instructors but didn’t find any proof of discrimination.

A year later, Vice Adm. DeWolfe Miller, commander of Naval Air Forces, wrote a statement ordering changes to the call sign policy and punishment for officers who are found in violation, Stars and Stripes reports.

Madeline Swegle

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week