Book Description

This book is another true untold story that should have been told years ago like Red Tails and Hidden Figures. Dr. Jordan B. Smith, Jr. became the first African-American to become the Color Company Commander at the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis or USNA) in 1976. The Class of 1976 African Americans set the pathway for changes by demonstrating that blacks and other minorities had earned the right to be in Annapolis. The incidents and events are authentic. This book is about life as a Midshipman, and specifically, one of the black men who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1976 whose accomplishment ignites a communication frenzy among the media as another Navy tradition goes away. The cover picture shows a black girl wearing a traditional southern bell formal white dress. This story of this accomplishment makes public that Blacks could compete with their white counterparts and live in harmony. These black midshipmen pioneers of Annapolis brings an end to the discriminatory tolerant institutions of learning at the United States Naval Academy. At the time the author though this accomplishment was insignificant, but it faded away with time and only existed as a memory. The cover picture of this book is on display in the Naval Museum in Annapolis, Maryland. The image is shown in a glass case just pass uniforms of Admiral Nimitz and Farragut. Most African-Americans today are familiar with Black sports professionals like Michael Jordan and few if any know anything about the accomplishment of African-Americans who broke barriers to scuttle Navy traditions. The achievements of these Black military men are well concealed and camouflaged. However, no significant progress ever happens without setbacks, diversions, decisions, failures, and modifications of strategies. Perseverance and struggle in making the dream a reality has never me failed throughout my lifetime. It is the development of Dr. Smith's growing mindset that allowed him to believe that he could become the 17th Company Commander, lead his company to 1st place, and became the Color Company Commander in 1976. His positive growing mindset was the key to overcoming obstacles throughout his lifetime. His vision was against all mathematical odds because of the discriminatory history of the Naval Academy. Can you dream? Born in Saint Louis, Missouri, Jordan B Smith, Jr, 's destiny in 1972 was to enter the United States Naval Academy. This book is about his life and how the events in his life help change discriminatory practices at the Academy and the United States Marine Corps between 1972-1996.