Sydney Barber’s appointment as the U.S. Naval Academy’s first Black woman brigade commander is a historic milestone. Barber, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering major, learned of her selection and immediately shared the news with her father, a 1991 Naval Academy graduate. His emotional reaction reflected the significance of this achievement.
Barber assumed the semester-long role in January of 2021, by becoming only the 16th woman to hold this position in the 44 years since women were admitted to the Naval Academy. Chosen through a rigorous application and interview process, she oversaw approximately 4,000 midshipmen. She likens her role to that of a student body president, acting as a liaison between the commandant and the brigade staff.
Growing up in Lake Forrest, Illinois, Barber nurtured a passion for leadership and community service. Driven by a desire to serve others, she participated in several missionary trips during high school, including annual visits to an African refugee community in Dayton, Ohio. These experiences solidified her commitment to a career in service. Barber found a perfect fit at the Naval Academy, drawn to the shared values of service and impact among the midshipmen.
During her four years at the academy, Barber actively engaged in mentorship at a local community center and championed diversity and inclusion initiatives. Following George Floyd’s death, she co-founded the Midshipmen Diversity Team to foster empathy and inclusive leadership. She also established the Black Female Network Breakfast, bringing together current Black women at the academy and alumni to share experiences and offer support. Barber noted that Black women comprise approximately 2% of the brigade, numbering around 102 out of the total midshipmen. She has also benefited from the mentorship of Janie Mines, the Naval Academy’s first Black female graduate (1980). Mines’ stories of facing isolation and discrimination during her time at the academy, where she was often ignored or treated with disrespect due to her race and gender in a predominantly white male environment, provided Barber with further motivation to pursue leadership roles.
Barber recognized the weight of her position, understanding that her performance set a precedent for future minority and female midshipmen. With many eyes on her, she inspired others to pursue their ambitions without limitation.
