(AP) — A Black woman from Lake Forest will lead fellow students at the U.S. Naval Academy for the first time, taking the top student leadership role of brigade commander.
The Commandant of Midshipmen announced the spring semester MIDN leadership positions, Friday, Nov. 8, which includes the selection of #USNA's first African American female brigade commander, MIDN 1/C Sydney Barber, of Lake Forest, Ill. https://t.co/oxCWvjpnXZ pic.twitter.com/neuaPMxFC1
READ MORE: 4 Police Officers, 1 Civilian Rushed To Hospital From Scene Of Fire In Beverly— U.S. Naval Academy (@NavalAcademy) November 9, 2020
The academy said in a news release that Midshipman 1st Class Sydney Barber will be the commander for the spring semester. Brigade commander is the highest leadership position within the academy’s student body.
READ MORE: LIVE UPDATES: Protests Follow Release Of Video Of Police Shooting That Killed Adam ToledoThe semester-long position is selected through an application and interview process by senior leadership and the commandant’s staff. Barber is from Lake Forest, Illinois.

This undated photo provided by the U.S. Navy shows Midshipman 1st Class Sydney Barber, from Lake Forest, Ill. Barber is slated to be the Naval Academy’s first African American female brigade commander, the U.S. Naval Academy announced Monday, Nov. 9, 2020. (Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Burke/U.S. Navy via AP)
She is the 16th woman selected for brigade commander in the 44 years women have attended the academy.
Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Also From CBS Chicago:
MORE NEWS: What We Know About Officer Eric Stillman, The CPD Officer Who Fired The Shot That Killed Adam Toledo, 13- Multiple Vehicles Damaged In Arson At Car Dealership In East Side
- Pfizer Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Is 90% Effective, Seeking Emergency Authorization
- Boy, 7, Struck And Killed By Vehicle In Oak Lawn