Midmorning With Aundrea - November 20, 2020 (Part 2)

(Part 2 of 4) At the Naval Academy in Annapolis, there's a historic first as Midshipman Sidney Barbor becomes the first black woman to serve as brigade commander in the Academy's 170 year history.

At the u-s naval academy in annapolis, a historic first.

Midshipman first class sydney barber will be the first black woman to serve as brigade commander in the academy's 175 year history.

Michelle miller spoke with her about her new leadership role.

This spring ... senior sydney barber will earn her stripes-rising to the highest rank at the us naval academy.

Brigade commander... leader of all 45- hundred midshipman here ..the first black woman to do so.

: i'm extremely : i'm extremely humbled to play a role in this moment of history for the 21 year old illinois native ... it's all still a bit overwhelming : for a black female to be taking command of an institution that once never had a single female at all here, let alone a black person// it speaks volumes to how far we've come.

Barber's legacy began with her father - lieutenant kenneth barber... a 1991 naval academy graduate.

: // to mark your name in 175 years of history of the us naval academy.

It's quite humbling and i'm proud that part of that long history.

A trail-blazing history& barber becomes only the 16th woman to serve in the top job since the academy went co- ed in 1976 the same year her mentor janie mines became the first black woman admitted : me being here at the naval academy is her wildest dream //to be able to lead in this capacity, i hope that one day i could be someone else's wildest dream.

: you were telling me you almost didn't go out for this.

: yes you're right.

I almost didn't : what pushed you over the edge?

: my sponsor mom captain tasya lacy it into life.

Captain tasha lacy ... an academy alum... couldn't let this opportunity sail by for barber.

: we only go for things that we think is within our grasp// i never thought that i could be the brigade commander and so consequently didn't apply for that job.// : and so when i saw sidney getting ready to go that same route, i'm like, oh, no, ma'am.

No, ma'am, you have to go for the stars.

And barber has been Ágoing Á non- stop& since high school -- traveling abroad on mission trips for her church -- the experience she says led her to the academy : i've been blessed in so many ways that i have to give back.

I have no other choice but to pursue service to others a member of the gospel choir and holds an academy record in track and field team& still &there are times when she doubts herself&and that's when she turns to her brother justin.

: i would say if there's anyone in my life.

Who's inspired me most, it's him.

Born with a rare condition that has left him blind and deaf, justin was given less than 2 years to live : we celebrated his 19th birthday this past may // he just reminds me that every single day is a blessing.

Every day is a gift// i can't take for granted.

A gift she shares with her classmates & and generations of leaders to come.

: what i want to do is just to be someone else's light to be someone that people can look at and say // i can do something that's greater than myself and make a change in our world and in america.

Michelle miller, new york she's a writer and actress.

You can now add author to rachel bloom's title.

A preview of her book when we return.

Award-